IRIS of UNESCO and ISTT organized a training workshop on Science & Technology Parks and Incubators Development in Nigeria

Isfahan Regional Center for Technology Incubators and Science Parks Development, under the auspices of UNESCO (IRIS) with the cooperation of Isfahan Science & TechnologybTown (ISTT) organized a training workshop on Science & Technology Parks and Incubators

Development on 12th and 13th of February 2014 in Abuja, Nigeria.With regard to UNESCO emphasis and IRIS objectives on capacity building, technical assistance and training activities; and with respect to the successful experience of ISTT in establishing and managing science parks and incubators, IRIS with the cooperation of ISTT embarked on organizing a training workshop on the management of a technology business incubator and a science park in Abuja, Nigeria. The workshop was requested and hosted by “Abuja Technology Village FZ Co.”. Some 30 participants from different Nigerian organizations including “Abuja Technology Village FZ Co”, “Nigeria Ministry of Science & Technology, Incubation program”, “Abuja Incubator”, “Nigeria Federal Capital Territory”, “Nigeria Fundamental Planning Organization”and “Abuja Technology Village Foundation” attended the training workshop for two days.

The workshop was conducted and facilitated by Dr. Mohammad Javad Omidi, ISTT Vice- President for Technology Development; Ms. Mozhgan Yazdianpour, Director of ISTT and IRIS International Affairs Departments; and Mr. Mohammad Sepehr Assadian, Director of ISTT Technology Incubator and also Mr. Nejib Abida, Director of S-Fax Technopark in TUNISIA.

The four speakers from IRAN and TUNISIA shared their knowledge and experiences in the field

with the Nigerian participants. The experiences of ISTT and S-fax Technopark in admission, preincubation, incubation, Science Park, support services, evaluation and financial affairs were among the subjects that were discussed during the workshop. The participants raised different questions during the workshop that were replied by the instructors. Meanwhile, an introduction to IRIS in ISTT was made to the participants. The participants also got familiar with ISTT’s technopreneurship and entrepreneurship activities including Sheikh Bahai Technopreneurship Festival.

An evaluation was made after the workshop to see how fruitful it has been to the participants. It showed that almost all participants were satisfied with the contents of the course and a positive feedback was received from the attendees. Knowledge and experience sharing based on practical and scientific issues was one of the main characteristics of this workshop. The speakers were praised and appreciated by ATV Managing Director at the end of the workshop. IRIS acts as a regional platform for promoting the development of science parks and technology incubators. The basic activities of this regional center include conducting capacity-building, providing technical assistance, facilitating knowledge transfer, supporting research, networking; and information exchange and dissemination.

IRIS and ISTT have other applications for conducting similar workshops in other countries and they welcome any new application and would be happy to share their experiences with and help other countries embark on establishing science and technology parks and incubators in their region.

For more information in this regard you can contact Ms. Mozhgan Yazdianpour, Director of IRIS International Affairs Dept at international.affairs@istt.ir or m.yazdian@unesco-iris.com .