Philippe Aghion, Professor at the Collège de France and INSEAD, and Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in October 2025, jointly with Peter Howitt, for their groundbreaking theory of “creative destruction.” The theory explains economic growth as a dynamic process driven by innovation, whereby new ideas, technologies, and business models replace obsolete ones.
Innovation, Technology, and Cities at the Core
His keynote address at MIPIM 2026 in Cannes will focus on the transformative impact of innovation and technology on urban development. Aghion will explore the role of public and private capital in accelerating the green and digital transition, as well as the critical importance of public policy in boosting productivity, competitiveness, and balanced regional growth. According to the organizers, his appointment as keynote speaker reflects MIPIM’s renewed strategic direction under the leadership of Nicolas Boffi, who recently assumed the role of Director of the event. The 2026 programme places strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, data centres, the transition to net zero, and the ways in which the real estate sector can turn technological disruption into a lasting strategic advantage.
MIPIM continues to stand out as the only global platform that brings together national governments, mayors of major cities, and the international investment and real estate community. Previous keynote speakers have included former French President François Hollande, former Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin, and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The 2025 edition attracted more than 20,000 participants from 90 countries, including 70% of the world’s 100 largest investment managers, collectively managing assets in excess of €4 trillion.