International Collaborations and Multi-Sector Partnerships in Transformative Times

UIDP London 2026 is a global convening of research, policy, and innovation leaders where we will explore how international and cross-sector partnerships can advance science and engineering, foster innovation, and improve the human condition in an era marked by disruption.

As the world navigates geopolitical shifts, rapid technological advances, and complex societal challenges, there is a powerful opportunity for nations and organizations with shared values to collaborate in resilient and innovative ways. This convening will highlight how global partners can harness research and development, working across borders and sectors to translate discovery into solutions that improve lives, strengthen communities, and generate lasting societal good.

Through a mix of panels, working sessions, and peer exchange, participants will examine topics such as:

• Conditions that enable international collaboration to thrive amid political, economic, or cultural instability;
• Models that catalyze collaborations and allow governments, companies, nonprofits, and academic institutions combine assets to address urgent global challenges;
• Governance, policy, and funding frameworks that support agile, inclusive, and equitable engagement, and
• Approaches that bolster partnerships across differing legal, regulatory, and cultural systems.

At the heart of UIDP London 2026 are facilitated, outcomes-driven working sessions in which participants will co-develop and stress-test new models for global partnerships. These sessions are designed not only to generate ideas but also to produce tangible prototypes and collaborative pilots that can be refined and scaled for broader use—an approach that closely aligns with UIDP’s SAMI initiative. Like SAMI, the intent is to move beyond discussion and into action, translating research and partnership into solutions that deliver measurable outcomes and societal good.

Outputs may include UIDP-led initiatives, emerging guiding principles, and actionable tools to help partners design and sustain impactful international collaborations. Attendees will leave with new insights, an expanded network, and concrete resources to help build enduring, high-impact partnerships across sectors and borders.