4th OECD Blue Sky Forum on science, technology and innovation data and indicators

The 2026 conference of the OECD Blue Sky Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Data and Indicators (Blue Sky 4) will bring together the global community shaping STI evidence to support better policymaking and decision making worldwide. The conference will take place from 14–16 September 2026 at the OECD Conference Centre in Paris, France.

Blue Sky 4 will convene a high-level and diverse group of stakeholders involved in the production, analysis and use of STI data, indicators and evidence. Through plenary discussions, thematic sessions and side events, participants will explore emerging frontiers in STI measurement and analysis, including new data sources and methods, responsible innovation in data and indicators, and approaches to addressing the most pressing evidence gaps facing science and innovation systems.

The conference will foster open exchanges across disciplinary, sectoral and geographical boundaries, encouraging collaboration among experts from governments, academia, international organisations, the private sector and non-profit communities.

Further information on the programme, including the call for contributions, practical details such as venue information, and side events, is available on a dedicated website.

The theme of the 2026 Blue Sky conference is “Pushing boundaries to chart the endless frontiers of science and innovation: Better data for policies and better policies for data”. This page will soon invite original contributions for sessions, papers and posters on:  

• Developing new STI data and indicators to inform tomorrow’s key policy discussions. Based on most recent and anticipated developments, what are the most promising opportunities for the measurement and analysis of key features, actors and trends in STI systems?  
• Rethinking the global fabric of STI measurement and analysis for impact.  How is the global landscape for measurement-based intelligence on STI systems and policies evolving, both from the perspective of production and use, and what can be done to enhance its value to society?

The OECD Blue Sky Forum is a once-in-a-decade flagship event dedicated to advancing international dialogue on the future of STI data, indicators and evidence. Previous editions were held in Paris (1996), Ottawa (2006) and Ghent (2016), each marking a step change in how STI evidence is produced, shared and used in policy contexts, with outcomes reflected in a dedicated chapter of the OECD STI Outlook 2018.

Blue Sky 4 is being conducted back-to-back and in coordination with the 2026 conference on STI indicators of the European Network of Indicator Designers, hosted by the University of Antwerp on 9–11 September.