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, invites you to attend the third edition of the Bessemer Symposium in the Economics of Innovation, taking place on the 16th of September 2026.

Symposium Objectives

The symposium aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among early-career researchers working on innovation-related topics. It provides an opportunity to present research, receive constructive feedback, and engage with leading scholars in the field. Each participant will present one paper, with discussions led by other researchers to ensure valuable insights and academic engagement.

Themes

The 2026 symposium will welcome submissions on (but not limited to) the following topics:

• The economics of research, development, and innovation (RDI);

• Innovation and inequality;

• Innovation, market concentration, and firms dynamic;

• Technological diffusion;

• Spatial distribution of innovation and knowledge;

• The role of public RDI support policies, subsidies, and R&D tax credits;

• Nature and benefits of public-private RDI collaborations;

• Innovation in green technologies for the net-zero transition.

Keynote and Policy Roundtable

The symposium will also feature a keynote speech by an established expert and a policy roundtable bringing together policymakers from government departments, public authorities, and international organizations to discuss challenges and opportunities for fostering inclusive and sustainable innovation-driven growth.

Venue

University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.

Programme

TBC

Submission & Registration

The call for papers will open in Spring 2026.

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

We look forward to welcoming you to Sheffield!