The Basque Country Technology Park shares its vision for the science and technology parks of the future in Reus
The Basque Country Technology Park takes part in APTE’s 24th International Conference, receives a runner-up award for the Eguskideak Energy Community and strengthens its role in shaping new models for innovation spaces
APTE’s 24th International Conference, held in Reus on 9 and 10 November, brought together 40 representatives from the national and international innovation ecosystem to reflect on the evolution of science and technology parks and their role as drivers of economic, technological and regional development.
Under the theme ‘The Science and Technology Parks of the Future’, the conference addressed issues directly linked to the challenges facing these ecosystems: sustainability and energy management, emerging sectors, public-private collaboration, entrepreneurship and talent.
Itziar Epalza Urkiaga, Managing Director of the Basque Country Technology Park, took part in the panel exploring what the parks of the future will look like, sharing insights and experiences with representatives from Italy’s AREA Science Park and the Science Park of Salamanca.
Among the main conclusions was the need for technology parks to evolve from being energy consumers towards models capable of managing their own energy production, storage and sharing. The importance of ensuring that specialisation in emerging sectors responds to the characteristics and needs of each region was also highlighted, harnessing their scientific and technological capabilities to contribute to their transformation.
This reflection is directly linked to initiatives that Parke is already developing across its Campuses. During the conference, the Eguskideak Energy Community at the Zamudio/Derio Campus received one of the runner-up awards at the 13th APTE Awards for Best Practice in Science and Technology Parks 2026.
The conference also provided an opportunity to present the ‘Reus Manifesto for the Science and Technology Parks of the Future’, the outcome of a collective exercise undertaken during the event. The document sets out five key commitments: to innovate with nature rather than against it; to live and work in cities of innovation; to connect in order to grow; to provide tailored training; and to ensure that science and technology parks matter to society.
The event also highlighted the role of the media in raising awareness of science, technology and innovation, with Estrategia Empresarial receiving special recognition.
The 24th International Conference concluded with a closing ceremony in which Itziar Epalza Urkiaga took part in her capacity as First Vice-President of APTE, alongside Josep Baiges, Councillor for Economic Promotion, Innovation and Knowledge at Reus City Council and Chief Executive Officer of REDESSA.
