We are delighted to be hosting the THE Innovation & Impact Summit 2023 in partnership with the Southern University of Science and Technology to explore how universities can create and sustain cities that are hubs of innovation.

The summit will explore:

• The importance of universities in supporting the creation of new cities and new regional economies such as Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area
• The role that universities can play in the city-wide or regional context
• How city authorities can best set the environment so that businesses can invest and universities can prosper
• The power and influence of local city leaders on universities that operate within a national system
• The types of universities that are needed by cities with fast-growing populations
• How universities can help cities adapt to the punishing effects of climate change
• The role universities can play in mitigating this impact and ensuring that cities will not just survive, but thrive, innovatively and sustainably

The summit will spotlight emerging and established innovation hubs, including the Greater Bay Area, Mumbai, Toronto, London, Kigali and Los Angeles.

Creating innovation

Explore the role universities have played in the creation of new cities and regional economies like Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area.

• Establishing universities in innovative cities
• How universities can be catalysts for transforming the prospects of urban communities
• City-to-city learning
• Showcasing partnerships between global Innovation Districts and their higher education anchor institutions
• Rise of the chief exploration officer
• Site visits and tours of Shenzhen’s emerging tech and innovation companies

Sustaining and supporting innovation

Discover the importance of universities in sustaining, supporting and maintaining innovative cities.

• The role universities will play in the future of cities
• Ensuring a culture of constant innovation and curiosity
• Shenzhen on a trajectory to make China an AI superpower
• Universities shaping innovative and sustainable mega-regions
• The next generation of innovation companies
• Site visits and tours of Shenzhen’s leading tech and innovation companies

Using innovation to build resilience

Examine the role of universities, innovation districts and city authorities in building resilience of cities and solving regional, national and global issues.

• The role of universities in smaller cities in shaping their bigger city neighbours
• How universities increase resilience of cities to help them adapt to climate change
• How city authorities can best set the environment so that businesses can invest, and universities can prosper
• Contributions universities can make to reduce regional inequity
• Where are the world’s most innovative cities?

 View the agenda

More speakers to be announced soon, join our mailing list to be the first to hear about the latest event news.

A 20% discount is available for groups of 3+ delegates, use the promo code GROUP to apply the discount

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As host partner, your institution will lead the discourse and position yourself as a key innovator amongst business, industry, NGOs and government by highlighting your work and best practices. It’s an unrivalled opportunity to increase your brand exposure to influencers and policymakers.

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