At the 28th Conference for the International Association of Science Parks held in Copenhagen from the 19th to 22nd of June, the message was clear that Science Parks have found a place on the world map as key economic development engines for cities, regions and countries.
Under the banner of the conference theme, “Roadmaps for future navigation” 600 delegates from 53 countries discussed what they can do together and individually to further their work in creating entrepreneurial environments that stimulate the flow of knowledge and inspire excellence. Several Mjärdevi Science Park representatives, including MSPs CEO, Sten Gunnar Johansson, were in place to participate, present, and moderate sessions.
Sten Gunnar was extremely satisfied with the conference, saying “This has been an outstanding meeting place for those of us who work globally with questions regarding growth and development.” Among attendees were 85 delegates from Brazil, the host country of next year’s conference.
“We had an opportunity to network extensively and discuss several projects with our Brazilian colleagues,” said Sten Gunnar. “They expressed keen interest in cooperating with us especially after 40 of the Brazilian delegates had a chance to visit the Park during the week prior to the conference.”
The IASP Conference included three presentation tracks: People & Competences, Economics & Policies och Technology & Innovation. These areas of concentration represented the remit of science parks to serve as important actors and catalysts within regional innovation systems. Through science parks, regions are able to sustain and maintain growth whilst supporting an environment that helps to create the next generation of international companies. Dr. Ray Sandbach, Research Fellow for Proctor & Gamble and one of the conference keynote speakers, summed up the science park missions clearly, saying “It’s the science that fuels business.”
Networking is an important part of a science park’s role. The IASP conference offers its delegates, including Mjärdevi Science Park representatives, a chance to meet face-to-face to discuss ways to best support the business and development needs of their resident companies and employees and the region in which they live and work. Through their global network, science park management can make partnerships, contacts, exchanges, site location opportunities, labour, and much more, available to the many people who trust the science park environment to provide such an engaging environment.
Click here for more on the IASP = International Association of Science Parks
