NOV
5+6
2025
Hosted in Bilbao, Biscay, Spain
Take a look to this report that highlights some of the most innovative key players in the European innovation & startup ecosystem. Produced and promoted by Linknovate, our media partner in collaboration with Bilakatu.
Amid escalating global challenges, rapid technological advancements driven by AI, and an increasingly volatile political landscape, uncertainty is at an all-time high. This year’s theme, “Open Innovation in Times of Uncertainty,” explores how organizations, policymakers, and researchers can leverage Open Innovation to navigate complexity and co-create solutions in an unpredictable world.
We invite academic insights, real-world cases, and forward-thinking discussions on how Open Innovation can foster adaptability and resilience to anticipate disruptions, manage risks, and drive sustainable growth in uncertain times.
Join us as we ask: Can Open Innovation turn uncertainty into opportunity?
The paper submission deadline has now passed.
Notifications of acceptance will be sent out early July.
Doctoral students will interact with and learn from experienced OI scholars and expand their networks.
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. We honor not just a winner but also two finalists.
Where academics share their ground-breaking research on Open Innovation
We’re putting together an exciting and inspiring post-conference tour of Bilbao’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
We will have the following stops:
Full Program
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 07:40 | Pickup at Torre BAT (Diego López Haroko Kale Nagusia, 1, Abando, 48001 Bilbao) |
| 08:30 | Visit to INGRID Tecnalia (Building 413, Laida Bidea, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, 48170 Zamudio) |
| 10:10 | Pickup at Tecnalia to go to Iberdrola’s Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub (San Adrián Etorb., 48005, Errekalde, 48003 Bilbao) |
| 10:45–12:30 | Visit at Iberdrola’s Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub |
| 12:30 | Departure to Asador Mendipe (San Justo Landa, 13, Errekalde, 48003 Bilbao, Bizkaia) |
| 15:00 | Return from Asador Mendipe to Torre BAT |
| 17:00 | Visits to the Guggenheim Museum |
Be part of our new dedicated workshop day following the conference, and propose your own workshop!
Vinit Parida, Chaired Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at LTU, is a leading authority on digital transformation, business model innovation, and industrial ecosystems. With publications in top journals and leadership roles bridging academia, policy, and industry, he brings globally impactful insights to our community.
Ann-Kristin, Associate Professor of Management, is a leading scholar with publications in top journals such as Organization Science and California Management Review. Her research on open innovation, ecosystems, and sustainability makes her insights especially relevant for our community.
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.
The regular rate applies to all participants (except students) regardless of their affiliation (e.g., academia, industry, policy, government, NGO).
The online-only rate applies to the online track, including a live stream/recording of the plenary sessions (e.g., keynotes), online paper presentations/discussions, and other selected sessions. Those who wish to participate in the “online-only” virtual conference will need to indicate this during the submission.
Interested 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.
Registration will open soon! Stay Tuned – follow us in our social media
Ticket sales will be opening very soon!
Stay tuned!
Diego Lopez Haroko Kale Nagusia, 1, Abando, 48001 Bilbao, Bizkaia
Extend your stay in Bilbao to enjoy the city while staying connected and immersing yourself in (open) innovation.
At the B-Accelerator Tower (BAT), you’ll experience a vibrant community of startups, companies, investors, and global technology leaders— all within a beautiful coworking space at the city’s best-connected hub.
BAT is a collaborative effort by the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, and Bilbao City Council, dedicated to transforming the Basque Country into a thriving hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Join their vibrant community and elevate your journey to new heights. Experience the convenience of having all your needs met under one roof, both professionally and personally. B-Accelerator Tower is your gateway to limitless opportunities.
Join a thriving innovation community in a strategic growth hub.
Experience unparalleled public backing for your venture's growth.
Explore Bilbao to the fullest with our “Opportunities of the Week” recommendations. Find highlighted events and must-attend masterclasses, networking activities, and enjoy in the city.
Whether you’re here to explore its rich culture, tantalizing cuisine, or striking architecture, getting to the city center comfortably and efficiently is the first step in making your visit unforgettable.
Upon your arrival at one of the area’s airports, various transportation options are available to help you reach downtown Bilbao with ease. We’ve detailed the primary means of transport you can utilize, customized based on the airport you arrive at. We aim to make your journey to the heart of Bilbao as smooth and pleasant as possible, allowing you more time to enjoy the many wonders the city has to offer.
Located 12 km north of Bilbao.
The nearest airport to Bilbao is “Aeropuerto de Bilbao” (IATA code: BIO). This airport is located approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) north of the city center of Bilbao, making it the most convenient option for travelers flying into the Bilbao area.
Located 65 km south of Bilbao.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Located 100 km east of Bilbao.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Located 100 km west of Bilbao.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
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.
Click each opportunity to find details on procedure for your booking. Contact us if you have any questions
VENUE OF THE EVENT: B Accelerator Tower (Gran Via 1, Bilbao)
For further details on the pre-conference visit click here.
[table id=10 /]
General program (preliminary):
[table id=8 /]
Notes:
C = Challenge session; P = Paper presentations; B = Best practice session.
General program (preliminary):
[table id=9 /]
Notes:
C = Challenge session; P = Paper presentations; B = Best practice session.
The High Tech Campus Eindhoven has been named the smartest square kilometer in the world. It is the home of more than 200 high-tech companies and more than 10000 employees who are all working to create the technologies and businesses of the future. You can find more information about Conference Center, including a route description, at their website: www.hightechcampus.com/conference-center.
VAT number TU/e:
NL001956218B01
CoC number:
51278871
Official address:
Groene loper 3, 5612 AE, Eindhoven
Navigation address:
De Zaale, Eindhoven
Postal Address:
PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven
Secretariat ITEM group
reservations@tue.nl
The Innovation, Technology Entrepreneurship and Marketing (ITEM) group focuses on understanding and improving new business and product development processes within firms, organizations, and institutions in a high-tech context.
Email reservas@mirohotelbilbao.com
Subject: WOIC Conference – Hotel Miró
Body:
City Privilege 1 PAX/People – 125€ / room/night
City Privilege 2 PAX/People – 140€ / room/night
Email reservations@hoteldominebilbao.com
Subject: WOIC Conference – Hotel Dómine
Body:
Smart Inner Views 1 PAX/People – 160€ / room/night
Smart Inner Views 2 PAX/People – 190€ / room/night
Superior City View 1 PAX/People – 190€ / room/night
Superior City View 2 PAX/People – 220€ / room/night
Email alojamiento.indautxu@hoteles-silken.com
Subject: WOIC Conference
Body:
City Privilege 1-2 PAX 95-105€ / room/night
Set Rate. Rate per room and night. VAT and Breakfast are included in the room rates.
Applicable set rates: from 06th to 13th of November, 2023.
Location:
Etxaniz Suhiltzailearen Plaza, s/n, 48010 Bilbo, Bizkaia
Email reservas@sercotelayala.com
Subject: BAT Tower Agreement / WOIC
Body:
Double room for single use – 69 € / room/night
Double room – 79 € / room/night
