IRIS Organizes an International Training Workshop on Science and Technology Park Development

Isfahan Regional Center for Technology Business Incubator and Science Park Development (IRIS), under the auspices of UNESCO with the cooperation and support of UNESCO Co-organized an International Workshop on “Sustainable Economic Growth through Establishing Science and Technology Parks” for developing countries.

The international workshop was organized from 27 to 29 of November 2023 in Isfahan. This event proved to be a significant gathering of experts, scholars, and enthusiasts in the field of Science and Technology Parks and Incubators.

It is with immense pride that IRIS enjoyed the support of prestigious organizations – UNESCO (as its main partner), ISTT (Isfahan Science and Technology Town), ECOSF (Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation), and COMSTECH (Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation) in the organization of this workshop.

In an impactful three-day workshop, participants delved into the intricacies of fostering sustainable economic growth through the establishment of science and technology parks. The event comprised seven sessions, featuring three distinguished in-person speakers- Dr. Mostafa Karimian Eghbal and Ms. Mozhgan Yazdianpour from Iran and Dr. Oleg Movsesyan from Russia; and one online speaker, Dr. Jong-In Choi from South Korea who shared their knowledge and experiences with the participants in the fields of Innovation and STI Ecosystems, Admission of Companies to STPs, Support Services and International Activities and the Lessons Learned in Establishing STPs.

The participants which were from different geographical regions ranging from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkiye, Iran to Mali and Nigeria had the chance to represent their respective countries in the realm of science and technology through presenting country reports which led to building up networks and sharing the best of knowledge and practice.

Attendees not only gained valuable insights from expert speakers but also embarked on an enlightening one-day tour. The tour encompassed visits to the ISTT campus, its state-of-the-art laboratories, the captivating Children's Science Park, and the exhibition showcasing innovative products from tenant companies at the Permanent Exhibition Hall of ISTT as well as paying visits to a number of knowledge-based companies in ISTT and the Art Incubator and Isfahan University of Technology.

The tour culminated with a visit to the iconic Isfahan landmark, and some of the historical places of this beautiful city.