A unique symposium organised in the Steel City, bringing together early-career and established researchers working on the economics of innovation to discuss new research frontiers, data and methodologies, and policy implications for an inclusive and sustainable economic growth fuelled by innovation.

2026 Bessemer Symposium in the Economics of Innovation

The School of Economics at the University of Sheffield, in collaboration with the Innovation Research Caucus, is pleased to invite you to the third edition of the Bessemer Symposium in the Economics of Innovation, which will take place on 16 September 2026 in Sheffield (UK).

Symposium Objectives

The symposium aims to foster collaboration and intellectual exchange among early-career researchers working on innovation-related topics. It offers participants the opportunity to present their research, receive constructive feedback, and engage with leading scholars in the field. Each participant will present one paper, followed by a discussion led by fellow researchers to encourage meaningful academic dialogue and exchange.

Themes

The 2026 symposium welcomes submissions on, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Economics of research, development, and innovation (RDI)

• Economics of science

• Innovation and inequality

• Innovation, market concentration, and firm dynamics

• Technological diffusion

• Spatial distribution of innovation and knowledge

• Public RDI support policies, subsidies, and R&D tax credits

• Public–private RDI collaborations: nature and impacts

• Innovation in green technologies and the transition to net zero

Keynote and Policy Roundtable

The symposium will feature a keynote lecture by Prof. Maria Savona (SPRU - University of Sussex), as well as a policy roundtable bringing together policymakers from government departments, public authorities, and international organisations. The discussion will focus on the challenges and opportunities associated with fostering inclusive and sustainable innovation-driven growth.

Venue

University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.

Programme

TBC

Submission & Registration

The call for papers is now open. Applicants are invited to submit an extended abstract (maximum three pages) via the application form by 30 June 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-July 2026, and registration will close on 31 August 2026.

Thanks to conference funding, accommodation and travel costs for all speakers will be covered. Coffee breaks, lunch, and dinner will be provided for all participants.

For further information, please contact Enrico Vanino at the School of Economics, University of Sheffield (e.vanino@sheffield.ac.uk).

We look forward to welcoming you to Sheffield.