Nobel Prize winner Aghion delivers Opening Keynote
MIPIM has announced Philippe Aghion — winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics — as keynote speaker for the Cannes event.
Aghion, one of today’s most influential economists, continues to guide the next generation of leaders as a professor at the Collège de France and INSEAD, and as a visiting professor at the London School of Economics. Together with Peter Howitt, he developed a groundbreaking theory showing that economies grow when new innovations replace outdated ones, a process known as creative destruction. Their research explains how technological progress and competition prevent stagnation, and why governments play a vital role in fostering innovation.
In October 2025, Aghion and Howitt were awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for this transformative work, which demonstrates that prosperity depends on supporting innovation while allowing old practices to exit.
Aghion said: ”I am excited to open the next MIPIM with a keynote. Having dedicated my life to exploring how to make our economies more creative and competitive, I look forward to sharing my thoughts on how cities and industries can best nurture innovation and phase out obsolete practices to drive long-term prosperity.”
Previously, Aghion was deputy chief economist and research co-ordinator at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), helping to shape its transition from centrally planned to market economies. Aghion also served as co-chair of the French Artificial Intelligence Commission, recommending that AI become a national priority for investment, research and training.
Aghion’s keynote will explore critical implications for the sector: how innovation and technology can drive sustainable and resilient urban development, the role of public and private capital in accelerating green and digital transitions, and how public policy can boost productivity, strengthen competitiveness and support balanced regional growth.
Previous keynote speakers at MIPIM include François Hollande, former president of France; Sanna Marin, former prime minister of Finland; Ban Ki-Moon, former UN secretary-general.
Nicolas Boffi, MIPIM director, said: ”Aghion’s presence as keynote speaker at the 36th edition of MIPIM speaks to our commitment: helping industry leaders understand the profound economic and technological shifts shaping cities and markets. His pioneering work on growth and innovation offers crucial insights for investors, policymakers and real estate professionals. At a time when technology and innovation are reshaping cities and markets, when AI is changing everything we do, his perspective will help leaders navigate these transformations with confidence.”