Innovation spaces are key in driving future of technology in Kenya and globally, according to experts attending the International Association of Science Parks pre-conference seminar in Nairobi.
IASP chief executive, Ebba Lund said that the areas focus on research and development activities and are often linked to universities and research institutions thus key in exploring the building blocks of what makes science and technology parks.
In Kenya such paces encourage innovation by providing infrastructure, access to talent, networking opportunities, and a supportive ecosystem.
These spaces typically bring together start-ups, researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and academia to work on developing innovative solutions.
“Organised innovation spaces will involve developing a broader ecosystem that will not allow one model to replace the other,” said Lund.
The delegates are in Nairobi for the 41st edition of the IASP conference that has brought together over 1,500 delegates from 400 science parks and innovation hubs.
The conference is hosted by Konza Technopolis and will focus on the impact of changing demographics on entrepreneurship and technology, as well as addressing global challenges.
“We are proud to host the 41st edition of the IASP Conference, making Kenya the second country in Africa to host it after South Africa hosted it in 2008,” said PS for Information Communication and Digital Economy John Tanui, who is also the President of IASP Africa Chapter
IASP, a global non-profit organisation with a presence in 76 countries, connects over 115,000 companies through its science and technology parks and innovation districts.
The annual conference brings together experts from academia, the public sector, and business to discuss the latest trends in innovation and technology.
Kenya won the bid to host this year’s conference in 2022 during the IASP World Conference in Seville, Spain.
This year’s conference, themed "Demographics, Entrepreneurship, and Technology: Defining the Frontiers of Future Economies," will include sessions on youth entrepreneurship, innovation in emerging markets, the fintech sector, and digital skilling.
““We look forward to very engaging sessions during the conference with great inputs from the panel of experts, practitioners, innovators, entrepreneurs and policy makers,” said CEO of Konza Technopolis Paul Okwiri.