Science Parks Are Knowledge Creators Say Experts at IASP

Doha, October 22 (QNA) - Experts and officials stressed importance of universities and science parks as knowledge creators at the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation World Conference (IASP), at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Officials from Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Spain, Taiwan, and South Africa said strong links between universities and science parks is essential to the success of research outcomes and innovation in the region and around the world, both now and in the future. Experts agreed universities, in close collaboration with international science parks, can be 'solvers' in the innovation value chain, ensuring that science-driven innovation from universities is diffused into the economy through science parks. The conference supports the mission of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development to build and develop capacity for creativity and critical thinking through research in education and science, hence the importance of QSTP to promote QFs mandate. Head of the IASP 2014 Doha Organising committee and Managing Director of Qatar Science and Technology Park, Hamad Al Kuwari said, "High-level discussions with our colleagues across the world are needed to chart a course forward for technology innovation so we can face challenges and seize market opportunities in the region." QSTP and Qatar Foundation have put Qatar and the Arab region on the map globally by leading an ambitious research mission in Qatar. The organisations are also maintaining a long-standing commitment to supporting Arab expatriate scientists and innovators in Qatar and across the world. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) last Science Report cited Qatar as an example of an Arab state tackling regional challenges by setting up a science park and implementing a national research strategy in close collaboration with universities. Professor Haitham Lababidi, Assistant Vice President for Research at Kuwait University; Josep Piqu, CEO of the Office of Economic Growth at Barcelona Activa; Gerard Verhoef, Science Park Project Manager at South Africa's University of the Free State; and Andrea T.J Hsu, Director of the Investment Services Division at Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau all spoke at the event. "Our experience is applicable to many countries around the region - a mission to develop sustainable solutions for all," said Professor Lababidi. Qatar Foundation Research and Development's Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) is hosting the four-day annual event for the first time the Arab world. It concludes later today. (END)