Preface On my own behalf and on behalf of secretariat, I would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) of I.R. of Iran and Guilan Province Governor for intellectual, moral and financial support to facilitate the achievements of objectives. M. Mottaghitalab (Ph.D.) Secretary General Inter Islamic Network on Science and Technology Parks ()
Table of Contents 1. Introduction and Background 1.1. Introduction 1.2. Background 1.3. Vision and Mission Statement 1.4. Objectives 2. Activity Report 2.1. Official Launch 2.2. Organizing 1 st Workshop 2.3. Organizing the 1 st General Assembly of 2.4. Launching the Technology Transfer Service 2.5. Correspondence for establishing a Science and Technology Park in Iraq 2.6. Organizing workshops in member states 2.7. 14 th Trade Fair of the OIC Member States (14 th TFOIC 2013) 2.8. Supporting the First International Conference on Commercialization of Technology 2.9. Organizing 2 nd Workshop 2.10. Al-Mustafa (PBUH) Prize 2.11. Periodic Newsletter 2.12. Members of 3. Challenges and Problems 3.1. Restricted number of STPs and incubation centers throughout the Islamic countries 3.2. Limited number of functional STPs and Incubation Centers 3.3. Limited access to up-to-date and accurate information 3.4. Lack of cooperation from some identified operational STPs and Incubation centers 3.5. Lack of financial resources 3.6. Socio-political interference 4. Suggestions
1-Introduction and Background 1-1- Introduction As the world becomes ever smaller through technology, globalization and interconnectedness, the speed with which ideas spread is increasing. To capture those ideas and transform them into innovative products, processes, and organizations, knowledge partners must be able to find one another. Igniting and sustaining partnerships also means finding resources, technological, financial, human, institutional, and intellectual. For enhancing the scientific and technological capabilities of the Islamic countries, it is essential to develop a `Mission` and Strategy which defines the objectives, specifies the means of action and, lays down general policy guidelines for the development of Inter-Islamic Network on Science and Technology Parks (). This `Mission` and Strategy should be within the scope of as well as Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH). In brief, cooperation between Science and Technology Parks of member states through is not a matter of convenience, but a condition for breaking out of the vicious circles of economic and technological dependence. 1-2- Background In the 13 th General Assembly Meeting of COMSTECH (April 2008, Islamabad) the preliminary decision for establishing was made. This step was taken for technological development among Muslim countries and strengthening the inter-relationships between Science and Technology Parks, also to promote cooperation among Islamic countries. Guilan Science and Technology Park (GSTP) was appointed to draft the feasibility study by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of Islamic Republic of Iran (MSRT). In the 14 th General Assembly Meeting of COMSTECH (January 2011, Islamabad) the proposal of establishment in Islamic Republic of Iran was approved. Therefore GSTP was selected as the headquarters of.
1-3- Vision and Mission Our Vision is to build capacity and knowledge to optimize human technology across all domains in Islamic Countries. Our Mission is to adopt practical measures to develop Inter-Islamic Network on Science and Technology Parks () to; Contribute to the technology growth of Islamic Countries Enter the Islamic and Global markets with our resources and products To promote innovative technologies and related information in Islamic countries To commercialize technological knowledge To support technology intensive production and entrepreneurship in Islamic countries To contribute to the adaptation of manufacturing industry to innovative technologies To provide employment of qualified labor in Islamic countries To support foundation and development of innovative companies that operate at high added value by benefiting from local potentials in Islamic countries To promote regional development by intensive R&D studies To create foreign investment opportunities in Islamic countries To increase the synergy and cooperation between Islamic companies To increase the export rate at technology based products between Islamic countries. 1-4-Objectives According to the constitution, the objectives of are: 1. To improve the status and role of science and technology parks in national and regional development projects Member States. 2. To provide accessibility to new technology markets for OIC Member States. 3. To improve the level of scientific and technological outcomes of OIC Member States. 4. Technological collaboration between Islamic countries universities, STPs, technological and industrial centers. 2- Activity Report 2-1- Official Launch The official opening ceremony of the Headquarter of Inter-Islamic Network on Science and Technology Parks was held by Former COMSTECH Coordinator General Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman, his assistance Dr. Mohammed Ali Mahesar, and Provincial authorities on January 7 th, 2012. More over the exclusive website of (www..ir) was launched.
2-2- Organizing 1 st Workshop The twin pillars of knowledge and economy are accessing and generating new knowledge and applying that knowledge to enhance livelihoods and create new solutions, products, jobs, wealth, and health. In order to develop practical skills, discuss about recent findings and challenges of STPs and debate important issues in synergies between government, STPs and private sectors, convened a two-day workshop on: The Role of Science and Technology Parks in the Knowledge-based Economic Development on August 27 th -28 th, 2102, in Rasht, Guilan. The main objectives of workshop were: To present and identify opportunities and capabilities in Science and Technology Parks. To attract national and international private sectors, to have the chance to develop ideas. To feature emerging technologies, giving a platform to share the latest industry knowledge, trends and developments. To offer a mix of briefings by STPs specialists, networking opportunities, and tailored business matching appointments. To provide direct negotiation opportunity between STPs directors for experiences exchange. To present special needs of industries and SMEs for knowledge-based economic development The workshop consisted of four sessions; three of which were instructed by Dr. Mostafa Karimian Eghbal, teamwork, a group discussion and presentation as the final session.
The workshop provided opportunities for STPs and Incubator managers to discuss on: Basic Concepts and Models of Science Parks and Incubators Networking amongst STPs and Incubators Future Knowledge Ecosystems Ecosystem and Product Commercializing Finally, the participant shared their ideas and experiences with each other. Workshop Achievements: 1. The participants adopted the vision of being a powerful network among STPs of Islamic countries. 2. The role of is to be a key organization for changing socio-economic development model towards a knowledge-based development by facilitating the flow of knowledge from
university to industry, to market new knowledge-based SMEs and help Industry Companies develop entrepreneurship and innovation culture. 3. The participants agreed on the importance of choosing the right direction regarding the knowledge ecosystem and creating commercialization environment, as well as analyzing new trends and accelerating entrepreneurial processes. 4. The participants stated the necessity of cooperation between the incubator and the private sector regarding financing, in order to achieve income generating activities. 2-3- Organizing the 1 st General Assembly of The first general assembly of was held with participation of representatives from six Islamic countries (Malaysia, Tunisia, Pakistan, Senegal, Tanzania and Syria) as well as the directors of a number of STPs from Iran on 28 August 2102 in Rasht, with the following agenda:
1. Welcome and opening. Dr. Abdul Ghafour chairs the meeting. 2. The President gives brief history of and its importance. 3. The Presidents explains the first year s achievements, budget, and funding. 4. Discussing the articles of the draft Charter 5. Electing the members of the executive board In the first General Assembly, the draft constitution of was discussed and approved by the participants. In addition, Guilan Science and Technology Park (GSTP) was elected as the permanent secretariat of, and the executive council of was elected as follows: Dr. Majid Mottaghitalab Secretary General Iran Prof. Noureddine Bouzouaia Biotechpole Sidi Thabet Tunisia Dr. Hisham AlKhayat Syrian Enterprise & Business Center Syria Mr. Nor Azman Hussein Malaysian Technology Development Corporation Malaysia
2-4- Launching the Technology Transfer Service In order to facilitate the transfer of technology amongst the members of, Technology Request and Offer forms were prepared and sent to all members. 2-5- Correspondence for establishing a Science and Technology Park in Iraq The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Iraq requested the consulting and technical assistance from in order to establish a Science and Technology Park in Iraq. requested information required for the establishment of an STP in Iraq in order to provide a feasibility study but the Ministry has yet to reply. 2-6- Organizing workshops in member states As part of its activities, is encouraged to hold workshops and training courses in member countries. After sending the announcement two workshops were scheduled to be held in Pakistan and Senegal. The workshop in Pakistan titled: The Role of Science and Technology Parks (STPs) for Developing Knowledge Economies was approved and agreed to fund the event with a sum of 5,000 USD. The workshop was to take place on September 9 th, 10 th 2013 but was delayed and later canceled by the organizers due to unforeseen circumstances. 2-7- 14th Trade Fair of the OIC Member States (14th TFOIC 2013) According to the resolution of the 24th COMCEC meeting, the Islamic Republic of Iran was elected to host the 14th Trade Fair of the OIC Member States, which was organized by ICDT and the Islamic Republic of Iran International Exhibitions Co. (IIEC). The event took place from October 28 th, 2013 till November 1 st, 2013, and was held in Tehran Permanent Fairground.
As part of our mission to commercialize technological knowledge and create foreign investment opportunities in Islamic countries, participated in this exhibition in order to present the products and services provided by the SMEs residing in our member Science and Technology Parks and Incubators. This exhibition presented a great opportunity for the SMEs to show the products and services they provide in order to develop technology transfer and commercialization. It also presented a chance for investors from all over the Islamic World to be introduced to these SMEs. 2-8- The First International Conference on Commercialization of Technology supported the First International Conference on Commercialization of Technology that was held on March 9 th, 2014 by the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park. The workshop covered the following topics: 1. Future studies and Foresight 2. Cultural patterns 3. Policies and legislation 4. Systems and structures 5. Commercialization Management 6. Ideas to Technology Development 7. Marketing and Sales 8. Standardization
2-9- Organizing 2 nd Workshop One of the goals of is to hold specialized workshops, seminars, and training sessions for the improvement of knowledge related to the transfer of innovation and technology into successful businesses, thus helping to improve the economy of Islamic Countries. With that in mind, a workshop titled: The Role of Innovation and Technology Transfer in Sustainable Development was held on July 1 st, 2014 in the headquarters in Guilan. The workshop was held with the attendance of over 50 participants and the presentation of Prof. Ali Pourhashemi from the Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee to conduct this workshop. His discussion included several topics concerning the relation between Industry, Academia, and Government including: The main elements of industry The path to success for an industry Sustainability through green engineering Criteria for a new product: type of industry, marketplace, capital investment Boosting the economy while preserving natural resources Survival in competition Affordability (example: production of ethanol from corn) The importance of a mission and vision The tools of industry Summits, gatherings, workshops, and educational reform Technology transfer between Academia, Industry, and Government
2-10- Al-Mustafa (PBUH) Prize was chosen as a nominating institute for possible laureates of Al-Mustafa (PBUH) Prize in the second session of the Prize Policymaking Council. This prize was established by the I.R. of Iran as an award to support the development of science in the Muslim world. The Prize which is globally known as Mustafa PBUH Prize shall be held biennially and aims to introduce and pay homage to the best scientists in the Islamic world. Among major approaches of awarding the Mustafa Prize are trying to break the monopoly of science and technology in the world, increasing the role of Islamic countries in international equations, and creating an atmosphere of cooperation and interaction among experts and scholars from Islamic countries. All members were informed of the application procedure. After receiving and revising the application, two applications of two laureates, Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman from Pakistan and Prof. Hikmat Hilal from Palestine, were forwarded to the prize council. 2-11- Periodic Newsletter has established a periodic newsletter which is being issued and sent to all members and related organizations every four months, with a total of four issues issued so far. The newsletter covers many topics of interest to our members regarding STPs management and work, as well as introducing our members and news and announcements.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1, APRIL 2013 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, AUGUST 2013 VOLUME 2,ISSUE 1, JANUARY 2014 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2, MAY 2014
2-12- Members of Since the launch of, the secretariat has been in constant contact with Science and Technology parks and Incubation centers from all over the OIC member states in order to attract new members. To this date, has 13 members from 11 OIC member states and 23 members from the I.R. of Iran. The details of the members are listed in the table below: Members No. Country Center 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Bangladesh Indonesia Malaysia Nigeria Nigeria Pakistan Palestine Senegal Senegal Syria Tanzania Tunisia Turkey BizCube by BetterStories Center for Innovation Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) Technology Incubation Center, Akure Technology Incubation Center Gusau, Zamfara State National Sciences and Technology Park (NSTP) An-Najah National. University Dakar ICT Incubator Community Engineering Programme Syrian Enterprise & Business Center Dar Teknohama Business Incubator BiotechPole Sidi Thabet Teknopark Istanbul Inc
3- Challenges and Problems 3-1- Restricted number of STPs and incubation centers throughout the Islamic countries A number of STPs has been developed in some Countries as means of stimulating startup and growth of technologically intensive and knowledge-based businesses. Such STPs can be found throughout a limited number of OIC member states, thus hindering the ability of to have members in the less developed countries. 3-2- Limited number of functional STPs and Incubation Centers Due to lack of financial or political support, many STPs and Incubation centers in the OIC member states are either still non-operational or have been put out of work. 3-3- Limited access to up-to-date and accurate information One major problem for was the ability to identify operational STPs and Incubation centers throughout the OIC member states due to the lack of a source of accurate information. Most of the correspondences that took place either by email or phone where not replied to since we were unable to identify and reach the person in charge. 3-4- Lack of cooperation from some identified operational STPs and Incubation centers Due to the technological gap between the OIC member states, some operational STPs and Incubation centers from the more developed states have questioned the benefit they would gain from cooperating with less developed countries, and expressed their preference to cooperate with technologically more developed countries. 3-5- Lack of financial resources Some OIC member states lack the financial resources needed to establish an STP or Incubation center and to participate in events and workshops planned by. 3-6- Socio-political interference Due to raging conflicts in many OIC member states, the development of technological and knowledge-based businesses has been hindered, thus leading to their decreased interest in the work of. 4- Suggestions According to the experiences and challenges faced in the last three years, propose these suggestions as follow: should be introduced to the OIC member states and they should be encouraged to cooperate with and participate in activities and programs for mutual benefits. Financial support should be provided by IDB and COMSTECH for in order to help establish STPs and incubation centers in OIC member states.