Workshop on Future of Science and Technology Park

UNESCO Tehran Organized a Regional Workshop to Discuss the Future of Science and Technology Park

The Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Nurturing Small and Medium Enterprises in Science and Technology Park & Technology Business Incubator was held in Tehran, I.R of Iran, from 18 to 20 January 2011, as a joint cooperation of UNESCO, ISESCO and Pardis Technology Park. The training held with a scientific tour to different incubators in Tehran on January 21st, aimed at upgrading knowledge of managers or future managers of Science & Technology Parks (STPs) on nurturing new small and mediums enterprises (SMEs). Participants from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, Iran, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan participated in the event. The opening ceremony of the event was held in ISESCO Regional Office in Tehran while the technical sessions were held in Pardis Technology Park with visit to some incubates of this Park.

During the workshop, key lectures were provided on nurturing SMEs in STPs development, Korean experience in the development of knowledge-based SMEs through Technology parks, Malaysian experiences in the development of knowledge-based SMEs, Iran’s experience in the Public Private Partnership in supporting knowledge-based SMEs, and Public support structures and funds for knowledge-based activities (Venture Capital). Furthermore each participant was given an opportunity to present the situation of STPs in their home countries followed by extensive discussions among the group.

Since the 1970s, UNESCO has been promoting stronger links between science, technology and innovation, and economic development; however this activity was only formalized as a programme in 1993 through the creation of the University-Industry Science Partnership (UNISPAR) Programme. Today, within the framework of the Division of Science Policy and Sustainable Development, UNESCO continues to work and intensify its activities by promoting innovation through supporting the development of high-tech clusters, science parks and technology business incubators. The availability of these platforms can assist Member States in their effort to promote science and technology innovation and the commercialization of R&D;, science and engineering education as well as continued professional training.

Contact: Ms. Niloofar Sadeghi, n.sadeghi@unesco.org

Source: UNESCO Tehran -  Publication Date: 24-01-2011