The ECON Annual Event 2026 will take place in Madrid at the TELEFONICA headquarters (Ronda de la Comunicación)
Hosting the event within a leading technological and communication environment such as TELEFONICA allows participants to experience a context where digital transformation, communication strategies and the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence are actively developed and implemented.
The aim is therefore to move beyond a purely institutional setting and create a space where discussions on Artificial Intelligence, innovation and European cooperation can take place in a more operational and practice-oriented environment.
This approach reflects one of the core principles of ECON: promoting dialogue between different sectors – academia, civil society, industry and innovation actors – in order to generate project ideas that are both conceptually robust and practically applicable.
For this reason, the venue contributes not only to the logistical organisation of the event but also to its intellectual framework, encouraging participants to explore the practical dimensions of communication, digital transformation and ethical Artificial Intelligence within contemporary European cooperation.
Vision for ECON 2026 – MAD for Europe and Telefónica as Host Organisation
ECON 2026 represents an important step in the evolution of the European Cooperation Network. For this fourth edition, the event will be organised and hosted by MAD for Europe, a European organisation dedicated to strengthening European cooperation through education, training, innovation and international partnerships.
Over the years, MAD for Europe has developed a strong ecosystem of collaboration with universities, public institutions and organisations across Europe and beyond, contributing to projects and initiatives that promote mobility, skills development and international cooperation. Hosting ECON 2026 reflects this commitment to creating meaningful spaces where European actors can meet, exchange ideas and build new partnerships.
A distinctive element of the 2026 edition will be the collaboration with Telefónica, one of the world’s leading technology and innovation companies. This partnership introduces a valuable corporate dimension to the event, allowing participants to engage not only with academic and institutional perspectives, but also with industry leaders at the forefront of technological transformation.
This new approach of bringing together together universities, European project professionals, policy actors and the private sector, ECON 2026 aims to reinforce dialogue between different parts of the European innovation ecosystem. Artificial Intelligence will serve as a central theme of the discussions, reflecting its growing impact on education, research, skills development and society.
This edition will particularly address three strategic areas:
- Тhe impact of Artificial Intelligence on education, employability, governance and the future of skills
- Тhe preparation of organisations for the next phase of European programmes, including Erasmus+ after 2027
- Тhe development of stronger public–private cooperation models within European projects and initiatives
Through this approach, MAD for Europe aims to contribute to a forward looking conversation on how European organisations can work together to address shared challenges, foster innovation and strengthen cooperation across sectors.
ECON 2026 will continue to maintain the spirit that has defined the network since its creation: a focused, invitation-based environment where participants can engage in meaningful dialogue and explore concrete opportunities for collaboration.