IASP Nairobi Training Seminar - laying the groundwork for innovators

Just prior to our 41st World Conference, newcomers to our industry had a chance to join our dedicated training seminar, moderated by Alicia Shelley, Director Operations & Partnerships at IASP. The seminar covered key elements on the STP and AOI industry to help individuals to understand and integrate core strategies and theory from the sector. This intensive one-day training course welcomed 7 speakers covering the main building blocks of what any new project of an innovation space should bear in mind.

Setting the stage - models and business creation

Opening the day’s talks, Ebba Lund, CEO of IASP gave an overview of the different models, spanning STPs, Innovation Districts and Areas of Innovation, and strategic choices that STPs can make during their development. She also discussed the IASP Strategigram tool, accessible to members and allowing them to reflect on their strategy and monitor its profile over time.

Ebba was followed by Alberto Mina, from MIND - Milan Innovation District (Italy), who focused on innovation districts in his talk. He not only provided a brief history of innovation districts but also delved into the quadruple helix innovation model, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and interconnection across various research fields, particularly focusing on sustainability.

The next session contained a detailed analysis on the significance of understanding incubation fundamentals, the synergies between parks and incubators, and the different approaches to achieve this by Josep M. Pique, President of La Salle Technova Barcelona. He shared insights on designing cost-effective facilities and ensuring the success of business incubation in STPs and AOIs.

STP and AOI services and marketing

There were also a number of insights relating to best practice for establishing an STP or AOI. Alejandro Carbonell, City of Knowledge (Panama), discussed the specific programs and services that STPs and AOIs could offer, tailored to their local context and the different stages of company development. He addressed the unique needs of startups, SMEs, and large corporations. Additionally, he explored various mechanisms to support innovative companies of all sizes.

Later on, David Pitschmann, Lakeside Science and Technology Park (Austria), discussed the impact of a cohesive communication and marketing strategy in effectively communicating the importance of Science and Technology Parks to stakeholders, potential clients, decision-makers, and the wider community. 

Collaboration and governance

To cultivate success, a number of strategies revolving around knowledge sharing, connection and effective management were also mentioned. 

Dan Johnson, Connect Maquarie Park Innovation District (Australia), delved into the synergy between innovation hubs and universities. He emphasized how these collaborations promote research and entrepreneurship, connect academia with the market, attract talent, and contribute to the creation of dynamic innovation ecosystems.

And finally, attendees heard from McLean Sibanda, Managing Director at Bigen Global Limited and former IASP Advisory Council President, as he underscored the critical role of effective governance in the success of STPs and Areas of Innovation (AOIs), particularly during their formative stages. He highlighted the necessity of identifying decision-makers, setting clear objectives, and managing project design and infrastructure, noting that these components shape the evolving institutional framework of a park.

Overall, these training seminars help to provide the tools, knowledge and information to global STP, AOIs and innovation districts to help to cultivate growth, success, and sustainability within our community. With thanks to all our speakers and participants for your involvement.

Stay tuned for next year's edition at IASP Beijing - keep an eye on our events page for updates.