Browse
related articles
The meeting was chaired by recently elected President for the Arab and Africa region and Vice President of WTA Hamad Al Hashemi, Managing Director of TechnoPark and supported by Prof. Deog - Seong Oh, Secretary General of WTA and Prof. Byung - Joo Kang, Director, WTA/UNESCO Centre.
Commenting on the need for the region to build a stronger science and technology infrastructure, Hamad Al Hashemi stated that advanced strategies had to be adopted by WTA members to invigorate the growth and development of science parks to accelerate economic and technology-led development in the region.
Hamad Al Hashemi said:
"Science and Technology parks cater to the needs of high-tech industry development, utilizing resources from industry, government, and academia to create an innovative business environment that successfully integrates R&D and manufacturing. The WTA recognises the potential for development in the region which is why an Arab and Africa Chapter was added to this international organisation. TechnoPark is proud to take the lead in cultivating an R&D and technology led culture right here in the region."
The Board Meeting put forth several plans for the establishment of a framework for this purpose. A comprehensive manual on the setup and management of science parks will be developed by WTA Arab and Africa region in cooperation with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The manual will encompass theory and best practices in the sector including 12 international science park case studies. The development of these manuals will be overlooked by an Editorial Board comprising of three members including Professor Deog- Seong Oh, Secretary General of WTA and Hamad Al Hashemi.
UNESCO and WTA have been working together in the last few years, recognising the important synergies and complementary roles that both organisations play. Professor Oh said: "The main objective is to continuously improve our services and functions to with a view to promote science, technology and innovation for sustainable development."
The Board also proposed initiatives that would enhance entrepreneurship and direct investment to state members of WTA Arab and Africa Region. Dr. Hashem Hussein, Head of Investment and Tech Promotion, the Arab Regional Center for Entrepreneurship & Investment Training (ARCEIT), UNIDO suggested a package approach system taking into consideration best practices world wide in addition to existing practical experiences in the region focusing on investment, human resources and the provision of services and assistance to entrepreneurs. TechnoPark already has an agreement with UNIDO/ARCEIT on this specific topic. The Board urged the set up of specialised support programs and financial schemes for pre-incubation encompassing entrepreneurship development, business counseling and technology tie-up to boost emerging technologies and leverage foreign investments.
In addition, the Board also recommended the establishment and implementation of a framework for Intellectual Capital Management within science and technology parks. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kai Mertins, Director at Fraunhofer IPK and the key note speaker at the meeting is already collaborating with TechnoPark on the establishment of such a framework for Dubai Institute of Technology. Intellectual Capital Structure (ICS) collectively refers to all resources that determine the value and the competitiveness of an enterprise. IC comprises three key elements, Human Capital, Structural Capital as well as Relational Capital. Intellectual Capital and its successful management are widely recognised in Europe, as vital to innovation and economic development.
Hamad Al Hashemi reaffirmed his commitment to regional collaboration by signing three MoUs with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology in Kenya; Mubarak City in Egypt for Scientific Research and Technology Application and the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in Nigeria.
TechnoPark, as part of its directive, recently conducted several workshops on "Science Park Development' in Oran, Algeria and in Abuja, Nigeria in collaboration with UNESCO and ISESCO. As one of the leading purpose-built technology incubators in the region, TechnoPark has, in recent years become an active and vital member of several international organisations including WTA and International Association of Science Parks (IASP), contributing to the development of science and technology led growth in the region. Last year it hosted the Middle East's first WTA Techno-Mart, and earlier this year it hosted the INSME event.
Posted by Rima Ali Al Mashni
