MultiObs researchers take part in OECD Blue Sky Forum 2026

The 4th OECD Blue Sky Forum, Charting New Frontiers in Science, Technology and Innovation, brought together researchers, policymakers and experts at the OECD Conference Centre in Paris from 14 to 16 September 2026 to discuss new approaches to measuring science, technology and innovation (STI). The programme covered topics including research careers, AI and STI indicators, innovation systems, public R&D investment and new data infrastructures for science and innovation policy.

Audience in a large conference room at the OECD Conference Centre during a plenary session of the Blue Sky Forum 2026 — A plenary session of the OECD Blue Sky Forum 2026 at the OECD Conference Centre, Paris.

MultiObs researchers also contributed to the programme. On the first day, Nicholas “Nick” Vonortas participated in the session Beyond the Silicon Valley Archetype: Measuring the Geography and Dynamics of Place-Based Innovation, which examined ways of measuring regional and place-based innovation ecosystems.

Participants seated around a square table arrangement during a parallel session, with a slide on regional innovation ecosystems on screen — The parallel session “Beyond the Silicon Valley Archetype: Measuring the Geography and Dynamics of Place-Based Innovation”.

Nick Vonortas speaking at a conference table, with a name card in front of him — Nick Vonortas during the session on place-based innovation.

On the second day, Ismael Ràfols joined the session Measuring STI towards improving health outcomes and addressing unmet medical needs, focused on how STI data and indicators can help assess the relationship between research, health needs and societal outcomes.

On the final day, Cassidy Sugimoto took part in the closing plenary, Reimagining STI data and evidence for the next decade: moving from Blue Sky ideas to action, a discussion on priorities for the next generation of STI data, indicators and evidence.

For those interested in learning more about the OECD Blue Sky Forum 2026, including the full programme, sessions and participating experts, further information is available on the OECD website.