The 2025 edition analyses more than 7,500 international associations and introduces a broader methodology that considers not only large congresses (over 500 delegates) but also mid-size conferences (200–499 participants). Drawing from ICCA data and association sources, the report presents a detailed portrait of how destinations convert local knowledge into international influence.
According to the findings, London, Paris, Tokyo, Beijing and Madrid remain the top global knowledge hubs. Meanwhile, Southern Europe is gaining ground with cities such as Lisbon, Athens, Rome, Milan, and Barcelona, while Asia-Pacific continues its rise through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Scandinavian capitals including Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki also strengthen their global presence through sustained investment in research and innovation.
At the centre of the study is GainingEdge’s proprietary Harnessing Ratio, a metric measuring how effectively destinations translate intellectual capital into hosted or secured international meetings. Prague again ranks first globally, achieving a 70 percent harnessing ratio across all meeting sizes, followed by Lisbon, Istanbul, Bangkok, Barcelona, Montreal, and Cape Town. At the national level, the United Arab Emirates leads with a ratio above 90 percent, ahead of Portugal, Thailand, and the Czech Republic.
“At a time when knowledge, innovation, and global collaboration are shaping the future of our industry, intellectual capital has become one of the most decisive assets for any destination,” said Steen Jakobsen, CEO of GainingEdge. “When destinations identify, empower, and activate their local leaders, they strengthen partnerships, attract high-impact events, and build long-term resilience.”
Miloš Milovanović, Partner at GainingEdge and Head of GainingEdge Analysis & Research (GEAR), added: “Intellectual capital is not just a measure of knowledge strength; it’s the people who bridge local expertise with international opportunity. When cities empower these leaders, they turn knowledge into measurable impact.”
The 2025 edition also signals a shifting global landscape. Several major U.S. cities – including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles – have declined in global association representation, while Istanbul, Warsaw, Ottawa, Shanghai, and Cape Town have moved upward, revealing an increasingly multipolar meetings market.
Since 2020, GainingEdge’s research division, GEAR (GainingEdge Analysis & Research), has continuously tracked the intellectual capital of convention destinations. By mapping academic and professional leadership within international associations, GEAR assesses how local experts enhance a city’s global visibility, influence, and competitiveness.
Download the full Leveraging Intellectual Capital Global Report – Third Edition here.
