Hamad Al Hashemi elected as Board of Director of the International Association of Science Parks

The new Board was elected at the 25th IASP World Conference held in Johannesburg from September 14-17.

Al Hashemi and Dr. Samir Hamrouni, Senior Advisor, Science and Technology Department, TechnoPark, attended the world conference and actively participated in the discussions. The high-profile meeting of science and technology professionals from all over the world discussed the latest developments in the industry.

Al Hashemi said his election to the International Board of Directors of the IASP is a great honour. "Reaching this status does reflect strongly our efforts and persistence towards being one of the famous Parks worldwide and this has been achieved throughout a clear and well defined strategy and planning. Being part of the International Board of Directors will give me the opportunity to get involved in decision-making exercises, which will also benefit TechnoPark," he noted.

The world conference, held under the theme "The Role of Science Parks in Accelerating Knowledge Economy Growth - Contrasts between Emerging and More Developed Economies," presented the TechnoPark officials the platform to highlight the progress made by the science and technology facilitator in driving Dubai's quest to create an excellent knowledge-based economy.

Over 50 speakers addressed various Science and Technology industry-related issues at the event, the first held by IASP in Africa. More than 450 delegates from 59 countries attended the conference, which was hosted by the Innovation Hub of South Africa. The 26th IASP World Conference will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina, from June 1-4, 2009.

The International Association of Science Parks (IASP) is a worldwide network of science and technology parks. It has over 349 Science & Technology Parks Members from over 71 countries worldwide, connecting science park professionals from across the globe and provides services that drive growth and effectiveness for members. The IASP is a NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.