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Mr Luis Sanz, Director General of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP).
Discussing plans for hosting the 2008 IASP World Conference in Gauteng by The Innovation Hub at a Conference Steering Committee in April recently are (left around the table) during the Conference Steering Committee Tseli Mohapi Busuma, I Brand Strategic Markering Solutions, Mr Luis Sanz, Dr Neville Comins, Hub CEO, Carol o'Brien, I Brand Strategic Marketing Solutions, Dillo Lehlokoe, SA Presidency, Dr Bethuel Sehlapelo, DST, and Geci Karuri-Sebina, HSRC. |
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The Director General of the International Association of Science Parks [IASP], Luis Sanz, recently visited Gauteng to participate in the preparatory work for The Innovation Hub's hosting of the 25th IASP World Conference in 2008 in Gauteng.
The main purpose of Sanz's visit was to attend the second meeting of the Conference Steering Committee (CSC), which includes representatives from the Departments of Science & Technology and Trade & Industry, the South African Presidency, NEPAD and the National Advisory Council on Innovation. The CSC will be augmented by other international members and is responsible for directing the development of the scientific content for the IASP Conferences.
The theme for the 2008 Conference is The role of Science Parks in accelerating knowledge economy growth - contrasts between developed and emerging countries. This will be the first time that an IASP Conference theme has focused on the drive to create a forum to support and develop regional interests in the Science Park model.
The main challenge for developing countries in the current context is to close the gap between themselves and developed countries. "It is not enough to develop quickly if others are developing quicker", says Sanz. According to him, Science Parks have a crucial role to play in providing environments that are conducive to rapid development and reducing the gap as it relates to the knowledge economy. "In the context of a developing country, Science Parks are the privileged access gates to the knowledge economy", he says.
He added that the IASP Conferences offer value to developing regions that are following the Science Park model, most significantly the sharing of experiences. At these conferences, newcomers to the Science Park community can interact with and learn from the pioneers.
According to Sanz, the strengthening of professional networks and exposure are direct benefits that will accrue to The Innovation Hub as the host of the 2008 Conference. "As a member of the Science Park network, The Innovation Hub can reduce the time and cost for their resident companies to access the vast international networks that the IASP provides. People from all over the world will suddenly know about The Innovation Hub through an experience that is far more valuable that reading a brochure or clicking on a website."
During his first visit to The Innovation Hub in 2003, Sanz surveyed a freshly cleared building site from a nearby hill. "I have been positively impressed by the speed of the development. When I first came here four years ago there was nothing, but now there is more than just building infrastructure, there is a thriving community."
Sanz believes that the efficiency of the Hub's development over the past few years bears testimony to its solid concept. "The fact that the Hub has gained the support of so many institutions, including government, universities and research councils, and the positive response from the business community demonstrates that Science Parks are not just about Science and Technology. They are also about businesses, entrepreneurs and economic activity. They are the place where all these elements meet", he added.
The next IASP World Conference will be held in Barcelona Spain from 2 - 4 July 2007.
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