WOIC 2026 - 13th Edition
World Open Innovation Conference
Join the global open innovation community
Two days of research, practice and policy shaping the future of openness.
NOV 4+5 2026
|
Kaunas, Lithuania
Submission system is now closed!
The submission system is now closed for papers and best practice submissions.
To apply for the Doctoral Consortium, click here.
NOV
4+5
2026
WOIC 2026 - 13th Edition
World Open Innovation Conference
Kaunas, Lithuania
World Open Innovation Conference
Launched in 2014, the World Open Innovation Conference (WOIC) is where academia, industry, and policy makers meet. WOIC fosters cross-sector collaboration, explores open innovation trends, and showcases groundbreaking research and practices.
Be part of the community shaping the future of innovation!
WOIC 2026 goes #Kaunastic
WOIC 2026 will take place in Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, where culture, art, and a fast-growing tech ecosystem converge to create a unique setting for collaboration and discovery.
Hosted at KTU Santaka Valley, one of the largest science and innovation centres in the Baltics, the conference sits at the heart of a dynamic environment connecting research, technology, and industry.
An ideal setting to explore the future of open innovation.
Watch the video and experience the venue.
Call for papers
The submission system is closed.
The submission deadline was 4 May 2026.
For further details see below.
Call for best practice
One of our unique qualities at WOIC is the synergy we create between academia and practice. If you have a best practice to share, why not submit it for peer and expert validation? Apply for our Best Practice Sessions and you could win one of our prestigious Best OI Practice Awards.
The submission deadline is 30 June 2026. Apply below!
Post-Conference Events
Parallel events: 10:00-12:30
Note that you can only register for one of the two events.
Industry Visit
Discover Kaunas’ innovation ecosystem firsthand with visits to Kaunas Free Economic Zone and leading local manufacturers for example Forvia Hella. See advanced production and open innovation in action, guided by industry hosts.
Event fee: Regular – €100 / Student – €25
Kaunas City Tour
Explore Kaunas’ UNESCO-listed Modernist heritage through a guided architecture walking tour
Event fee: Regular – €100 / Student – €25
Modernism as an Open Design Brief Workshop: 10:00-12:30
Hands-on workshop translating design values of the past into urban design opportunities for the future.
Event fee: Regular – €100 / Student – €25
Keynote Speakers
Saras Sarasvathy
Paul Hammaker Professor, Darden School of Business University of Virginia
About the Speaker:
Saras Sarasvathy is a leading scholar on entrepreneurial cognition and the originator of the theory of effectuation. Her work has shaped research, education, and practice in entrepreneurship worldwide. Drawing on experience as a serial entrepreneur and research with Herbert Simon, she has developed influential insights into how entrepreneurs operate under uncertainty.
Keynote:
WOIC 2025 After Movie
Take a look at the highlights from the last year’s conference to get a taste of the WOIC atmosphere, energy, and unforgettable moments.
Important Dates
Call for Academic Papers Launch
Submission Website Opens
Academic Paper Submission Deadline
Extended Abstracts & Full Papers
Applications Open
Acceptance Notification
Submission Deadline
Acceptance Notification
Doctoral Consortium Application Deadline
Academic Paper Registration Deadline
Early Bird Registration Deadline
Best Practice Participation Confirmation Deadline
Acceptance Notifications (Rolling)
Presentation Feedback Deadline
Optional
Presentation Slides Due
WOIC 2026 Doctoral Consortium
WOIC 2026 Conference
Post-Conference Visit
Optional
Tickets and Conference Fees
Student
The discounted student rate applies to students enrolled in a college/university program (e.g., as PhD student). Registration with a valid college/university email address is required.
** Early Bird Registration Deadline is 15 September 2026.
Regular
The regular rate applies to all participants (except students) regardless of their affiliation (e.g., academia, industry, policy, government, NGO).
** Early Bird Registration Deadline is 15 September 2026.
Add-ons
Post-conference Visit*
Interested in the Post-conference visit? See “More Info”
* Post-conference and Doctoral Consortium tickets can not be purchased separately.
* Selected doctoral consortium participants will receive a discount code for the early bird rate.
** Early Bird deadline is September 22nd, 2025.
*** Post-conference and Doctoral Consortium tickets can not be purchased separately.
Exclusive Hotel Discounts
Take advantage of exclusive offers and secure your discounted rates on the following hotel websites. We got special rates for up to the full week, make it easy for you to arrive early or extend your stay over the weekend, and enjoy all activities during the week or the many leisure activities offered in the surroundings.
Book now and enjoy your full experience.
CONFERENCE VENUE:
KTU Santaka Valley K. Baršausko g. 59, Kaunas / KTU M-Lab (Studentų g. 63A) (for the Doctoral Consortium)
