21st European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship

21st European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship

On September 17th and 18th, Iscte hosted the 21st European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ECIE 2026), bringing together researchers, educators and practitioners to exchange ideas on the future of innovation.

The conference was officially opened by the Rector of Iscte, Professor Helena Carreiras, the Director of DINÂMIA’CET-Iscte, Professor Paulo Tormenta Pires, and the Conference Chair, Professor Florinda Matos.

ECIE 2026 welcomed an international community of researchers, academics and practitioners to exchange perspectives, share research and discuss key developments in innovation and entrepreneurship.

The main themes reflected in the conference programme point to three key takeaways:

• Collaboration between research and practice is essential to creating impact. Connecting academic knowledge with real-world challenges and fostering dialogue between researchers and entrepreneurs adds value.

• Universities play a central role in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Research, education and connections with other stakeholders contribute to value creation and ecosystem development.

• Entrepreneurship education benefits from applied, collaborative methods. AI-supported approach to teaching and mentoring can bring together co-creation, stakeholder alignment and clear criteria for decision-making.

More information about ECIE 2026 and the conference programme:

https://www.academic-conferences.org/conferences/ecie/ecie-programme/