Potsdam International Forum »Science Parks and Competitiveness«

»Science Parks and Competitiveness: Bridging Regional Growth and European Innovation and Research Policy« on April 15-16, 2026 at the Potsdam Science Park! Science Parks are vital drivers of European competitiveness, linking research excellence, entrepreneurial vision, and industry to foster high growth ventures and cross-border partnerships. Following-up on the current European debates on competitiveness, the Potsdam International Forum aims to actively contribute to these ongoing discussions. It offers a unique platform to connect science parks, regions, and innovation ecosystems with key EU stakeholders.

»Bridging Regional Growth and European Innovation and Research Policy«

The two-day conference is an interactive cross-sectoral gathering of policy makers, leading experts and practitioners from Science and Technology Parks, cluster managers, and innovation agency representatives from across Europe. The agenda sets focus on how Science Parks and their regions can become epicenters of scientific achievement and innovation—accelerating breakthroughs, nurturing growth, and maximizing the positive impact of Europe’s innovation hubs. Participants will explore how emerging European policies influence competitiveness and regional development, share insights on shaping future innovation ecosystems, and discuss their real-world implications for scientific progress, sustainable growth, collaboration and international success. 100 experts and participants from 18 countries will conjointly explore how Science Parks and further innovation hubs can become key engines of progress within Europe’s wider innovation ecosystem.

Overview Day 1 | April 15, 2026

Sessions

Opening Remarks & Welcome
The Relevance of Science Parks for Competitiveness & Innovation in Europe
The Single Market as a Tool to Power Europe’s Economy
Europe’s Innovation Capacity – What It Takes to Compete Globally

Breakout Sessions

A | European Competitiveness Fund – Tapping Into the ECF and Combining EU-Level Instruments with Regional Funding for Impact Innovation
B | New Horizon for Competitiveness – Perspectives for Science Park Managers
C | Co-Generating Excellence – Cities and Science Parks for Regional Innovation

Evening Reception & Networking Dinner

Overview Day 2 | April 16, 2026

Sessions

Policy to Value – Excellence to Regional Innovation Leadership
Tackling Key Tech – European Model Regions for Strategic Technologies
From Single Sites to Networked Ecosystems – How Science Parks Orchestrate Multi Site Innovation and European Value Pipelines
Closing Remarks & Outlook
Optional Site Tour Potsdam Science Park

Program Download

Download the program folder here (PDF)

Conference Venue

Potsdam Science Park
Fraunhofer Conference Center
Am Mühlenberg 12
14476 Potsdam
Germany

Registration is Closed

The conference is fully booked.

Planning Your Journey To Potsdam

The Potsdam Science Park is easily accessible from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and Berlin Central Station via direct train connections, with a travel time of around 30 minutes. A taxi ride typically takes 55–60 minutes, depending on traffic. For the most convenient route planning, use Deutsche Bahn’s DB Navigator app and search for connections from »Flughafen BER« to »Golm Bahnhof, Potsdam«. The app also provides local tram and bus information for getting around Potsdam during your stay. Find further details on getting to the Potsdam Science Park here on our website.

We are looking forward to welcoming you in Potsdam!

This Conference is Funded

This conference is funded by the State of Brandenburg. Diese Konferenz ist gefördert mit Mitteln des Landes Brandenburg.

This conference and the projects implemented by Standortmanagement Golm GmbH at Potsdam Science Park are co-funded by the European Union and the Federal State of Brandenburg.