Call for Submissions
The ISPIM Connects Yokohama Conference, “Transforming Society Through People and Innovation”, is a three-day event that brings together around 300 innovation management professionals from over 35 countries.​
Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, addresses unique social challenges and leverages distinctive advantages. Challenges include achieving carbon neutrality, ensuring sustainable urban development, and improving quality of life through innovations in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. These issues align closely with Yokohama’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Conversely, Yokohama’s strengths lie in its robust startup ecosystem, significant R&D and advanced manufacturing sectors, and its active role in international collaboration.
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ISPIM encourages examples and insights into successful innovation practice, challenges or research from all regions of the world. If you are in doubt, please discuss your idea with an email to admin@ispim.org.
LOCAL FOCUS THEMES
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Advanced Manufacturing and R&D
High concentration of advanced manufacturing and significant R&D activities by global corporations, emphasizing automotive technology, robotics, industrial innovation, and establishing Yokohama as a critical innovation hub.
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Green Transformation and Sustainability
Initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, promoting eco-friendly practices, and sustainable development across this vibrant city, hosting GREEN x EXPO 2027 showcasing global cleantech innovations.
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International Collaboration and SDG Leadership
Proactive leadership in achieving SDGs through international partnerships, initiatives such as Y-PORT, and consistent hosting of major global forums like the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
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Life Sciences and Well-being of People
Extensive biotechnology and pharmaceutical research initiatives driven by global partnerships, promoting innovations broadly benefiting global health, quality of life, and advancements in life sciences.
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Smart City Development
Advanced digital infrastructure and sustainable urban solutions enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions, highlighted by hosting the Asia Smart City Conference annually for over a decade.
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Startup Ecosystem and Open Innovation
Comprehensive support for startups via hubs such as Tech Hub Yokohama, YOXO Box, and Yokohama Future Organization, fostering robust collaborations between startups, large enterprises, academia, and investors.
GENERAL THEMES
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AI and Innovation
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Business Models
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Circular Innovation (SIG)*
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Digital Disruption & Digital Transformation (SIG)*
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Entrepreneurship, Start-Ups & SMEs
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Futures & Foresight (SIG)*
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Health, Healthcare & Innovation Management (SIG)*
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Innovation for big Challenges (Societal, Climate, SDGs etc)
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Innovation Leadership & Organisational Culture (SIG)*
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Innovation Management Systems, Standards & Certifications (SIG)*​
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​​Innovation Training, Teaching & Coaching (SIG)*
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Knowledge & Technology Transfer
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Living Labs (SIG)*
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Methods & Skills for Innovation Management Research
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Open Innovation
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Platforms, Ecosystems and Supply Chains
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Responsible Innovation (SIG)*
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Social Innovation (SIG)*
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Values-based & Sustainability-Oriented Innovation Management (SIG)*
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Other Innovation-Related Submissions
SIG = ISPIM Special Interest Group
Submission Deadlines
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3 October 2025: Abstracts Only (All Submissions)*
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17 October 2025: Acceptance Notification*
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31 October 2025: Final Submissions (including papers & photos) PLUS registration and receipt of payment
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24 November 2025: Presentation Slides
* Abstracts will be evaluated on a weekly rolling basis from 8 September, with the final batch being evaluated per the above deadline. Early submission and acceptance notification is possible for all authors with external funding application deadlines. Contact admin@ispim.org
Proceedings
Accepted submissions will be scheduled for presentation in the conference programme in thematic sessions. Papers will be published in the Conference Proceedings with an ISBN and included online in EBSCOhost and ProQuest. Authors may withhold their papers from the proceedings on request.
Award
The Dick Marsh Award
for the paper that best demonstrates innovation management impact