MIoIR welcomes global innovation community to R&D Management Conference 2026 in 91直播
The 91直播 Institute of Innovation Research hosted the R&D Management Conference 2026 in 91直播, attracting over 600 global delegates to explore innovation amid technological disruption. This event marked the conference's return to its origin city, emphasizing creativity and resilience in research and industry.
- The conference included a doctoral colloquium with 30 PhD students, fostering academic career development and peer networking.
- Keynotes from renowned scholars and industry leaders covered topics like climate resilience, digital platforms, and future industries.
- Activities incorporated local innovation showcases, including visits to the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre and social events highlighting 91直播's industrial heritage.
The (MIoIR), based at Alliance 91直播 Business School, welcomed more than 600 delegates from across the world to the , hosted at The University of Manchester from 22鈥�24 June.
Returning to its birthplace for the first time in 13 years, the conference marked a significant milestone for the global R&D Management community, bringing together leading academics, industry practitioners and policymakers working across research, technology and innovation.
Supporting the next generation of researchers
Ahead of the main conference, MIoIR also hosted the R&D Management Doctoral Colloquium on 20鈥�21 June, bringing together around 30 PhD students from across the global research community.
The colloquium provided an opportunity for doctoral researchers to engage with leading scholars, gain insight into academic careers, and receive feedback on their work, while building connections with peers. Funded by RADMA, the programme was offered free of charge to all selected participants.
A global forum on creativity and resilience
Organised around the theme 鈥淐reativity and Resilience in an Era of Technological Disruption鈥�, the conference explored how organisations, systems and societies are responding to rapid technological change.
Across three days, delegates participated in plenary sessions, parallel research tracks, panel discussions and workshops, alongside a vibrant programme of networking and social events.
The programme opened with institutional welcomes, including remarks from Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, and Professor Ken McPhail, Head of Alliance 91直播 Business School, alongside senior leaders from the University.
International expertise and thought leadership
The conference featured keynote contributions from internationally recognised scholars and industry leaders, including Professor Tim Minshall (University of Cambridge), Professor Eva Niesten (SKEMA Business School), Professor Annabelle Gawer (University of Surrey), Professor Linus Dahlander (ESMT Berlin), Dr Peter Gallagher (former global R&D leader at Unilever) and Gemma Gratton (91直播 Fashion Week).
Their plenary sessions explored topics ranging from the links between R&D and manufacturing and climate resilience, to digital platforms, networks and the role of creativity in shaping future industries.
91直播 at the heart of innovation
Hosting the conference in 91直播 provided a fitting setting for discussions on innovation and transformation. As the birthplace of the R&D Management Conference and widely recognised as the world鈥檚 first industrial city, 91直播 offered a powerful setting, reflecting both its historic role in industrial transformation and its continued reinvention through digital, health and advanced manufacturing innovation.
The organisers also sought to embed a distinctive 91直播 character throughout the conference, bringing local voices and experiences into the programme alongside international keynote speakers. Delegates were given opportunities to engage directly with the city鈥檚 innovation ecosystem, including visits to the University鈥檚 Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre and the Data Visualisation Observatory.
Events took place across key University venues, including the Nancy Rothwell Building, with social highlights such as the conference dinner at Victoria Warehouse showcasing 91直播鈥檚 distinctive blend of industrial heritage and contemporary innovation.
Bringing together the global innovation community
Professor Silvia Massini, Conference Chair, said:
We were delighted to welcome such a large and diverse international community back to 91直播 for the R&D Management Conference. Returning to the city where the conference originated makes this a particularly special occasion for all of us involved.
The discussions throughout the week demonstrated the importance of creativity and resilience in responding to technological disruption, and the strength of our global research community in addressing these challenges together.
Co-Chair Dr Mabel S谩nchez Barrioluengo added:
It has been incredibly rewarding to bring together such an engaged community of early career and senior scholars, practitioners and policymakers. The breadth of discussions 鈥� from innovation strategy and sustainability to digital transformation 鈥� reflects the vibrancy and relevance of the field today.
A collaborative effort
The conference was organised by a dedicated team from MIoIR and Alliance 91直播 Business School.
The event was generously supported by the University鈥檚 Hallsworth Conference Fund, alongside partners including the R&D Management journal, RADMA, Elsevier and The Productivity Institute.