WAITRO Summits

WAITRO Summits are the flagship events of the WAITRO, organized biennially to bring together researchers, innovators, funders, and policymakers from around the world. They serve as a platform to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and build impactful partnerships across sectors and regions.

“In doing so, the Summits bring together the Global Innovation Family – WAITRO’s international network of member organizations – and extend beyond it by connecting external partners and stakeholders, creating a broader ecosystem for collaboration and shared impact.”

WAITRO Summit 2026

What defines a WAITRO Summit?

High-level plenaries

Engaging global leaders and policymakers on key science, technology, and innovation topics

Thematic sessions & workshops

Interactive formats designed to deepen exchange and spark collaboration

Matchmaking & networking

Dedicated opportunities to connect across research, industry, and funding communities

Innovation showcases

Presentation of solutions and projects contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals

Past WAITRO Summits

WAITRO Summits are hosted in different regions worldwide, bringing together a growing global community committed to translating innovation into impact.

2024
Nanjing,
China

From Innovation to Impact – Strategies for Sustainable Solution

2022
Cape Town,
South Africa

Catalyzing Impact Through Global Collaboration

2020
Online
(due COVID-19)

WAITRO://50 – Virtual Innovation Summit

2018
Penang,
Malaysia

Global Collaboration for Innovation, Competitiveness and Sustainability

2016
Medellin,
Colombia

Public-Private Partnerships to Innovate Innovation

2014
Copenhagen,
Denmark

Horizon 2020 and Beyond. RTOs in International Collaboration

2012
New Delhi,
India

Technological Innovations: For All Inclusive Growth

2010
Dubai,
UAE

Leadership for Innovation

2008
Seri Kembangan, Malaysia

Turning Technology Innovation into Profit

2006
Saskatoon,
Canada

The Business of Innovation

2004
Nairobi,
Kenya

Technologies for Sustainable Development

2002
Porto Alegre,
Brazil

The Role of Research and Technology Organizations in the Globalized World

2000
The Hague,
The Netherlands  

Knowledge Management in Research and Technology Organizations

1998
Warsaw,
Poland 

Best practices for the management of research and technology organizations

1996
Cairo,
Egypt

Accreditation and certification in RTOs

1995
New Delhi,
India 

Human resources development in R&D institutes

1992
Quebec City,
Canada 

R&D strategies for 1990s

1988
Port of Spain, Trinidad/Tobago 

Technological Innovation

1986
Aarhus,
Denmark 

Interaction of R&D institutes with local industry

1984
New Delhi,
India 

Co-operative research on advanced technologies appropriate to developing countries

1982
San Felipe,
Venezuela

Appropriate technology through co-operative arrangements

1980
Colombo,
Sri Lanka 

Co-operative arrangements for R&D: ways for implementation

1978
Noordwijkerhout,
The Netherlands

Self-Reliance in R&D

1976
Guatemala City, Guatemala

Possible roles for WAITRO in industrial development

1974
Beirut,
Lebanon

A challenge for the interaction by WAITRO members

1972
Juan les Pins,
France

Management of industrial research institutes

Be Part of WAITRO SUMMIT 2026

Join us in Istanbul from 26–28 October 2026 and help turn ideas into impact.
Connect, co-create, and contribute to climate solutions with global innovation leaders.