Science, Technology and Innovation Parks for sustainable development: building expertise in policy and practice in selected Asian and African countries
Reference
PDF-SDG-2022-04
Implementing Entity/ies
UNCTAD
Collaborating Partners
UNDP, UNECA, UNESCAP, UNRCOs, Ministry of Science and Technology, provincial agency in charge of science and technology, STI parks and STI research institutes in beneficiary countries and China
Duration
April 2023 - April 2026
Location
Ghana, Mongolia, Mozambique and Uzbekistan
Approved Budget
$ 1,014,360
Description
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) parks play a crucial role in fostering technological advancement and innovation in developing countries. However, many of these nations face significant challenges in establishing and managing successful STI parks. Key obstacles include limited capacity for policy formulation and implementation, lack of practical experience, and insufficient mechanisms for knowledge sharing between countries. These challenges often result in suboptimal outcomes, hindering the potential of STI parks to drive economic growth and address pressing development issues.
To address these challenges, this project aims to facilitate technology adoption and innovation in firms and industries, with a focus on accelerating the SDGs and improving resilience to COVID-19 and future crises. The project will build expertise and enhance capacity in four developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) by leveraging opportunities for South-South collaboration. This will be achieved through on-site training workshops at successful STI parks in China and capacity-building exchanges in beneficiary countries. By enabling peer-to-peer learning and knowledge transfer from experienced STI park operators, the project seeks to equip participating countries with the practical skills and insights needed to formulate coherent policies, develop institutional frameworks, and effectively manage their own STI parks.
To address these challenges, this project aims to facilitate technology adoption and innovation in firms and industries, with a focus on accelerating the SDGs and improving resilience to COVID-19 and future crises. The project will build expertise and enhance capacity in four developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) by leveraging opportunities for South-South collaboration. This will be achieved through on-site training workshops at successful STI parks in China and capacity-building exchanges in beneficiary countries. By enabling peer-to-peer learning and knowledge transfer from experienced STI park operators, the project seeks to equip participating countries with the practical skills and insights needed to formulate coherent policies, develop institutional frameworks, and effectively manage their own STI parks.