Saudi Arabia, represented by Dhahran Techno Valley at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, has won the bid to host the 2027 World Conference of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP).
The decision was made during the association’s General Assembly held in Beijing, following strong competition from science parks in Norrköping of Sweden and Chiang Mai of Thailand, SPA reported.
Hosting the annual IASP conference in the Kingdom reaffirms its leadership on the global map of innovation and highlights its growing capabilities in energy, sustainability, and future technologies. It also showcases Saudi Arabia’s attractive and supportive environment for innovation and investment.
The conference is expected to draw more than 1,000 participants, including academics, investors, and entrepreneurs, underscoring the Kingdom’s rising role as a global destination for shaping the future.
Dhahran Techno Valley secured 87 votes out of 118, surpassing the required 59 to win in the first round. The next conference will be held in Sophia Antipolis of France in 2026 before the global spotlight turns to Dhahran in 2027.
Founded in 1984, IASP includes over 350 members across 80 countries, encompassing more than 115,000 companies in technology, research and development, and entrepreneurship. Since its inception, the association has organized 40 global conferences and 181 regional events, becoming the world’s leading network for innovation environments.
