The 42nd IASP World Conference on Science Parks & Areas of Innovation opened on Wednesday in Beijing. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

A new international initiative spearheaded by Beijing's Zhongguancun Science Park was unveiled on Wednesday at the 42nd World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation.

The Beijing Zhongguancun Initiative calls for closer global cooperation between science parks and innovation hubs. It sets out five priorities designed to link economic growth, environmental sustainability, and equitable talent development.

Key pledges include fostering innovation-led ecosystems, accelerating research in frontier technologies, strengthening academic-industry collaboration, and embedding ESG principles into infrastructure upgrades like net-zero green campuses and AI-driven service systems.

The plan also stresses inclusivity, promising more support for small and medium-sized enterprises and cross-border partnerships to share intellectual property.

The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP), a global network headquartered in Spain, represents science parks and innovation districts worldwide. More than 800 delegates from 97 countries and regions are attending this year's conference and are set to visit 10 science and industrial parks across Beijing this week.

Delegates from Zhongguancun Science Park pose for a group photo on Wednesday during the 42nd IASP World Conference on Science Parks & Areas of Innovation in Beijing. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

The 42nd IASP World Conference on Science Parks & Areas of Innovation opened on Wednesday in Beijing. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

A delegate takes a photo of a robot during the event. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

Participants visit an exhibition booth during the event. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)