The Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) has bolstered its international profile with its recent registration to the International Association of Science and Technology Parks (IASP).
The IASP is a worldwide network of science and technology parks meant to drive growth, internationalization and effectiveness of its members.
Chief Executive Officer Alan Boshwaen will lead a team that includes the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) and the University Of Botswana ÔÇôOffice of Research and Development to a new member welcoming ceremony ahead of the 2012 IASP World Conference being held in Tallinn, Estonia, from 17th to 20th June 2012.
BIH’s registration to the IASP accords it Affiliate Member status in recognition of its current engagement in the development and operation of a science and technology park on a dedicated site in Gaborone.
The development will contribute to economic diversification and the transformation of Botswana into a knowledge based economy by promoting a culture of innovation and competitiveness of its associated companies and knowledge-based institutions.
IASP Affiliate Member category is reserved for Science/Technology Parks and innovation based business incubators around the world that have reached a sufficiently advanced stage of planning or construction though not yet fully operational.
IASP membership benefits include full IASP accreditation, international visibility, global networking and access to a broad knowledge base with a formidable multiplier of resources and opportunities for members.
BIH’s active participation in the Science and Technology Parks Network at the 2012 IASP World Conference is demonstrated by its presentation of two discussion papers submitted to the conference.
The first paper, Science and Technology Parks Initiatives in Africa submitted by the BIH looks at the emerging trend by states in the region to invest in Science and Technology Parks and Special Economic Zones. The second paper which is jointly published with National Business Innovation Centre, Namibia, discusses Soft Landing processes in the Science and Technology Parks in Southern Africa.
