Flagship Event

WAITRO Summits

WAITRO Summits are the flagship events of the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations. Organized biennially, they serve as a global platform to foster in-person collaboration and build impactful partnerships among researchers, innovators, funders, and stakeholders from around the world.

Typical Summit Structure

A Global Platform for Knowledge Exchange
and Collaboration

High-Level Plenary Sessions

Engaging discussions with global leaders, policymakers, and experts on pressing topics related to science, technology and innovation.

Thematic Sessions & Workshops

Deep dives into research areas, presentations, case studies, and interactive dialogues designed to inspire collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Matchmaking & Networking

Dedicated opportunities for researchers, innovators, and industry to connect and initiate cross-sector collaborations.

Innovation Showcases

A platform for research, technological solutions, and successful projects that have impact and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Collaboration in Action

Recent WAITRO Summits

WAITRO Summit 2024

Nanjing, China

WAITRO Summit 2022

Cape Town, South Africa

WAITRO Summit 2020

Online

WAITRO Summit 2026

Next WAITRO Summit

  • Place: Istanbul, Türkiye
  • Theme: “Leading the Path of Implementation: Strengthening Co-Creation for Our Common Future”
  • Host: Istanbul Technical University (ITU)

Past General Assemblies and WAITRO Conferences

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

Partner with us for the WAITRO Summit 2026

WAITRO and ITU invite organizations, funders, and change-makers to join us as partners for the WAITRO Summit 2026. Whether you’re looking to fund impactful initiatives, contribute thought leadership, or collaborate on programming, partnering with WAITRO means aligning with a global network committed to sustainable development. Together, we can scale innovation, amplify global reach, and accelerate solutions where they are needed most.