The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) gathered global leaders in the innovation ecosystem in Nairobi, Kenya, for its annual conference, which this year focused on “Demographics, Entrepreneurship, and Technology.” The conference brought together experts and innovators from across the world to discuss pressing global challenges and share innovative solutions related to science and technology parks and areas of Innovation.
Among the presentations, a few initiatives captured significant attention, shedding light on global technological developments, talent attraction, and the evolving role of innovation spaces in driving economic and social change.
Empowering Women through Tech in Pakistan
One of the most impactful sessions, *”Bridging Socio-Economic Gaps with Inclusive Innovation,”* featured a presentation from Yaruq Nadeem of Pakistan. Nadeem spotlighted a project aimed at increasing women’s participation in technology and entrepreneurship in Pakistan. The initiative, hosted by the National Science and Technology Park (NSTP), offered educational programs designed to empower women with essential tech skills, enabling them to drive economic growth and Innovation in their communities.
Fredrik Larsson, Linköping Science Park moderates a panel with Adam Lane, Director of Government Affairs at Huawei Kenya, and Romildo D. Toledo-Filho from UFRJ Science Park in Brazil. The theme was Sustainable Society Transformation.
This project has not only expanded the knowledge and skill set of its participants but also enhanced their social and economic freedoms. Women traditionally excluded from formal tech education gained the tools to enter the workforce and start their own ventures, marking a step toward gender equality in tech. The success of such initiatives highlights the importance of being closely connected to target communities, working with relevant groups to ensure the impact is meaningful and sustainable. These programs underline how targeted education can foster social mobility, break down long-standing barriers, and drive inclusive innovation.
Swedish Talent Attraction Highlighted
Anna Broeders from Linköping Science Park took the stage to present Sweden’s innovative approach to global talent attraction under the project *”Switch to Sweden and the International Talent Map.”* As part of the *”Future of Work and Talent Development”* session, Broeders outlined how Sweden addresses demographic challenges through international talent recruitment. With ageing populations in many parts of Europe, attracting young, skilled professionals has become essential for sustaining economic growth.
Anna Broeders, Linköping Science Park on stage,
The “Switch to Sweden” initiative provides a practical model that supports talent integration by offering career guidance and matchmaking. This initiative has positioned Sweden as a competitive destination for skilled professionals looking to relocate, helping the country remain at the forefront of innovation and talent development globally.
Konza Technopolis offered an interesting guided tour of its brand new smart city site.
Other topics on the future of work were addressed in the session by Adlershof in Germany on the theme of LifeLong Learning. Bilkent Cyberpark in Turkiye talked about “navigating workforce dynamics and demographic shifts for future success” and Konza Technopolis in Kenya emphasised the opportunities and challenges presented by the ageing population in the Global North and the youth bulge in the Global South.
Project Ngulia: From Wildlife to Swedish Livestock
In a unique blend of wildlife conservation and emerging technologies, Donald Bunge presented Project Ngulia, which attracted significant attention. Developed by, among others, Professor Fredrik Gustafsson from Linköping University, this innovative project applies high-tech solutions from Swedish livestock management to wildlife conservation in Kenya’s Ngulia sanctuary. The collaboration between academic research and on-ground implementation demonstrates the strength of cross-border partnerships in solving local challenges.
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Ngulia leverages sensor technology, drones, and AI-powered analytics to monitor wildlife movements, protect endangered species, and support ecosystem management. This initiative underscores Linköping’s global influence in emerging tech and highlights the role of Science Parks in facilitating international collaboration to address critical issues like wildlife preservation and sustainable agriculture.
African Innovation and the Future of Tech
One of the most thought-provoking presentations came from Thembe Ikalafeng, who delivered a visionary keynote on Africa’s potential as a hub for future Innovation. Ikalafeng painted a powerful image of Africa’s emerging technological landscape, challenging participants to reimagine the continent as a future driver of global Innovation. “What happens if I fall?” he asked, before answering, “But what happens if you fly?”
Lena Miranda, CEO of Linköping Science Park and Chair of the IASP Global Board of Directors, welcomed all participants to the conference.
His message resonated deeply with the audience, urging global innovators to embrace collaboration, take risks, and view Africa not merely as a recipient of aid but as an active player in the global tech ecosystem. The session reinforced Africa’s strategic importance in future Innovation, emphasizing the need for greater investment and knowledge exchange to unlock the continent’s full potential.
Sustainability and Social Innovation at the Core
Sustainability was a recurring theme throughout the conference. One of the pivotal sessions was a keynote by Dr. Hillary Ndambiri on *”Sustainable Electronic Waste Management.”* Introduced by a video message from Kenya’s president H.E D.R William Ruto, Ndambiri addressed the growing challenge of electronic waste, especially in rapidly developing countries. The talk emphasized the need for both policy reform and technological Innovation to manage the life cycle of electronic devices sustainably, from production to disposal.
Anna Broeders, Lena Miranda and Fredrik Larsson in front of the conference center.
Other presentations during the session on *”Bridging Socio-Economic Gaps with Inclusive Innovation”* showcased inspiring examples of sustainability efforts from countries like Pakistan, Brazil, and Turkey. The global perspectives shared at the conference illustrated that while each region faces unique challenges, there are common threads—such as the need for circular economies and green innovations—that unite these efforts.
Science Parks as Global Leaders
The conference underscored the evolving role of science parks and innovation areas as global champions of technological progress and social change. From North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park to Kenya’s Dedan Kimathi Science Park, the presentations highlighted how Science Parks are becoming not just centres of technological development but also community hubs that bring together academia, industry, and government to solve societal challenges.
Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s flagship smart city, exemplified the growing importance of innovation spaces in addressing issues like sustainable urban development, water conservation, and data-driven governance. With a focus on green infrastructure and smart technologies, Konza might be a model for future cities, integrating both high-tech solutions and social sustainability measures.
We also visited the Kenyan Coders Collective, a company that works with software development, mainly for customers in Sweden. Among the customers are Trebula and nGulia.
IASP’s 2024 conference reinforced the importance of global collaboration, as Innovation knows no borders. Next year’s event, titled *”Elevating Excellence: Innovation Spaces Driving High-Quality Development,”* will explore how regional innovation capabilities can shape the future. Linköping Science Park looks forward to another opportunity to share its expertise and learn from its international peers.
For researchers and innovation professionals inspired by these discussions, now is the time to get involved. The future of global Innovation is bright, and the solutions presented at IASP offer a roadmap for tackling the world’s most pressing challenges.
