OIC COMSTECH International Workshop on Managing Science and Technology Parks STPs 2023 Indonesia 🇮🇩
Science and Technology Parks (STPs) have emerged as vital catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. These purpose-built hubs bring together academia, industry, and government to foster the exchange of knowledge, drive technological advancements, and transform innovative ideas into commercial products and services. OIC COMSTECH International Workshop on Managing Science and Technology Parks (STPs), brings together professionals and experts to engage in fruitful discussions and exchange valuable knowledge regarding the implementation of effective strategies for the management of STPs.
Organized by OIC COMSTECH on 4–7 September 2023, in collaboration with Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia — with Speakers from Pakistan, Egypt, Malaysia, Iran, Bangladesh & Indonesia — with an aim to equip park managers and stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage these dynamic ecosystems.
Highlight of the event was the Keynote by Dr. Shahid Mahmud, CEO, Interactive Group about STPs:
83% of Global Youth will by in Asia & Africa by year 2100
Dr. Shahid Mahmud
AVM Asad Ikram presented the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) — with the primary objective of enhancing the nation’s capabilities in the Aerospace Industry by establishing clusters and innovation hubs throughout the country. NASTP aims to create an ecosystem that fosters design, research, development, and innovation, including aerospace, aviation, space, IT, and cyber sectors.
Our generous host and dynamic Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, Vice Rector, Universitas Airlangga, shared the Indonesian Government’s vision of establishing 100 STPs by 2030. She shared amazing Ideas to Market work being done at Universitas Airlangga — also featuring Halal COVID-19 Vaccine Production through an Industrial Collaboration with Biotis, Indonesia — Only Nation in OIC Countries to have achieved this remarkable milestone. The most amazing learning for us at Universitas Airlangga, was the Teaching Industry.
The Role of Science and Technology Parks: Catalysts for Innovation
Science and technology parks play a multifaceted role in driving innovation and economic development. They serve as key enablers for technology transfer, encouraging the translation of research outcomes into commercially viable products and services. By facilitating collaboration between academia and industry, these parks bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
One of the primary functions of science and technology parks is to attract and support startups and entrepreneurs. These parks provide startups with access to essential resources such as infrastructure, mentorship, funding opportunities, and networking events, which are crucial for their success. By offering a supportive ecosystem, science and technology parks create an environment that fosters innovation, encourages risk-taking, and facilitates the growth of startups.
Additionally, science and technology parks act as platforms for talent attraction and retention. By providing high-quality working spaces and opportunities for collaboration with industry experts, these parks attract skilled professionals and researchers, contributing to the development of a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Best Practices in Science and Technology Park Management
Dynamic & diverse speakers from Pakistan, Egypt, Malaysia, Iran, Bangladesh & Indonesia — covered Effective management areas crucial for the success of science and technology parks. The role of park managers and stakeholders is multifaceted, requiring a deep understanding of the dynamics of innovation ecosystems and the ability to foster collaboration and drive commercialization. Here are some best practices in science and technology park management discussed in Indonesia:
- Strategic Planning: Science and technology parks should have a clear vision, mission, and strategic objectives aligned with the needs of the region and the industries they aim to support. A robust strategic plan guides decision-making, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Collaboration is at the core of science and technology parks. Building strong partnerships with universities, research institutions, industry associations, and government entities creates a network that facilitates knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and access to funding and resources.
- Business Incubation and Acceleration: Offering comprehensive support for startups is crucial for the success of science and technology parks. This includes providing access to mentorship, funding, networking opportunities, and specialized training programs. Business incubators and accelerators within the park can play a pivotal role in nurturing startups and helping them navigate the early stages of their journey.
- Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Management: Science and technology parks should have mechanisms in place to facilitate the transfer of technology from academia to industry. This includes managing intellectual property rights, licensing agreements, and collaboration frameworks to ensure a smooth flow of knowledge and innovation.
- Community Engagement and Outreach: Science and technology parks should actively engage with the local community, creating awareness about their activities and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. This can be done through organizing events, workshops, and outreach programs that encourage knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
Indonesia & Pakistani Startup Ecosystem
Indonesia has emerged as one of the most vibrant and rapidly growing startup ecosystems in Southeast Asia — featuring 15 Unicorn Startups. Several factors have contributed to this growth, including a large and youthful population, increasing internet penetration, and a supportive regulatory environment. Pakistani Startup Ecosystem is growing and World’s leading Investors compare the Pakistani Ecosystem with Indonesian — because of similar market size & dynamics. I had the honor to Present the NICAT: Pakistan’s 🇵🇰 Premier Aerospace ✈️ and DeepTech 🛰️ Incubation Center and Pakistani Startup Ecosystem — the fifth largest nation on earth of 240M.
Visit to Biotis — Only Halal COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturer in OIC Countries
It was a delight to visit Biotis Indonesia — the Only Halal COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturer in OIC Countries. Professor Fedik Abdul Rantam, of Airlangga University, has jointly developed the Halal COVID-19 Vaccine in partnership with Biotis Indonesia — a brilliant example of Lab Innovation to Market Product.
Conclusion
Science and Technology Parks have become invaluable drivers of innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. By bridging the gap between government, academia and industry, these parks create an ecosystem that fosters the translation of ideas into impactful commercial products and services. Effective management of science and technology parks is crucial for their success, requiring strategic planning, strong partnerships, comprehensive support for startups, and community engagement.
International workshop organized by OIC COMSTECH, and Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia provided a platform for promoting knowledge exchange, best practices, and collaboration. A BIG THANKS to Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH, and Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, Vice Rector, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia for providing us with this amazing learning & knowledge sharing opportunity.
Note to Universitas Airlangga: Our respected Indonesian hosts, you have won us through your hospitality, passion for serving humanity & inspiring progress! We are your brand ambassadors for life! Salute to a disciplined, focused & hardworking Nation!
About the Author: Imran Jattala is Project Director, National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT). He is Co-Founder of Innovators Garage (IG) — Global Innovation Consulting — on a mission to make Pakistan a Top-50 Innovative Nation with a $500 Billion Innovation Economy by 2030 🇵🇰. He tweets at: ImJattala
