From an Innovation Village to a Science & Technology Park. Experiences from the City of Windhoek, Namibia

Innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship are buzzwords that form an essential part of our modern work environment. Science and Technology Parks (STPs) are booming and growing all over the world, in large variety and different shades. Can the Peoples Republic of China with over 1,35 billion inhabitants and the Republic of Namibia with approximately 2,1 million inhabitants possibly have a similar approach to promote innovation and entrepreneurship? Or does each country need to develop its own concept to fit the unique circumstances and characteristics of its society instead?\n\nThe present paper outlines the framework conditions in Namibia and presents the concept of the NBII Innovation Village in Windhoek. It was specifically designed to meet the demands of the population, and embark together on the journey to build a Business Innovation Institute including a STP as well as a business incubator. The paper concludes with the lessons learned vis-á-vis the strategies employed during its implementation process as well as an outlook for its further development.