The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) define the 4th Industrial Revolution as the convergence of digital technologies (such as Big Data or the Internet of Things), biotechnologies and the physics of the infinitely small. And this is precisely what they will talk about at La Cité Nantes Congress Centre, who will host their 36th World Conference (IASP2019). The great promises of this revolution are to seduce consumers with unique and personalized products, as explains IASP consulting director Jean-François Balducchi, from Atlanpole, the science-based business incubator for the whole region Pays de la Loire.
What kind of role has Atlanpole played in Nantes’ candidacy for the hosting of IASP2019?
Back in 2017, Atlanpole initiated the candidacy of Nantes at the IASP World Conference in Istanbul. Competition from other global destinations was fierce, and we chose to highlight the strengths of the Nantes Saint Nazaire Metropolis and, more broadly, the Greater Western Region of France – and France as a whole. The challenge was taken up across the whole shareholders chain, including Nantes Métropole, the Pays de la Loire Region, the University of Nantes, the Chamber of Commerce, etc., who followed and encouraged us from the very start.
In addition, as the IASP from 2014 to 2016, I had every intention to bring this conference to our shores. So I waited for the right opportunity to apply. This win is the confirmation that Nantes is recognized for its virtuous innovation ecosystem. The region has undeniable assets in the field of the industry of the future, with the competitiveness cluster EMC2, the French industrial cluster dedicated to advanced manufacturing technologies, the IRT Jules Verne, the French Institute for Technology, or Atlanpole Biotherapies which focuses on the health of the future. So many strengths that will allow us to best address the main theme of our conference: the 4thIndustrial Revolution.
To what extent are Nantes and La Cité the ideal venues for this event?
La Cité Nantes Congress Centre has been our privileged partner for 30 years, we’ve been working together on different types of events for a long time – and always with successful results. Ideally located in the heart of the city, it is very accessible from Paris, and thus from all major European capitals and beyond. We also like their commitment to CSR in general, and how they approach events in environment-friendly terms. La Cité’s infrastructure makes it possible to organize our world conference in the best conditions. Their professional teams provide bespoke services which guarantee a flawless execution of events in general.
More broadly, Nantes was labeled the European Green Capital in 2013, and it has many advantages outside the quality of life. It’s a dynamic, green, innovative city which delegates can easily enjoy after a hard day’s work at a conference.
What kind of support did you receive exactly?
From the very start of the bidding process in 2017,the teams of La Cité were quite keen for us to win IASP2019. They really acted as our partners in this, providing all kind of support. We of course rent their spaces, along some dedicated technical support, but what we like the most is that they also guarantee a permanent follow-up of our project, by putting an account manager as well as a production manager at your disposal. That makes the execution of the event very smooth to say the least.
This piece was written by Boardroom Chief Editor Remi Deve.. The right to use, part or all of it in subsequent works has to be granted by the Publisher.