A world-class conference yields world-class outcomes

Creating a synergistic platform from which the Science Park Industry of Africa can be elevated to world-class standards, The Innovation Hub, a subsidiary of Blue IQ Investment Holdings, hosted a very successful XXV International Association of Science Parks (IASP) World Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre from the 14th to the 17th of September 2008. Attended by 528 delegates from 60 countries around the world, this historic event marked the first ever IASP World Conference on Science and Technology Parks (STP) to be held on African ground. It is at conferences such as these that key professionals and colleagues from across the globe congregate to exchange information on the latest international developments for the sake of enhancing and promoting STP. 

Suitably so, all representatives were welcomed by Former Deputy President of South Africa Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Gauteng Premier Mr. Mbhazima Shilowa, Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Mosibudi Mangena and Tsietsi Maleho of The Innovation Hub. Aligned with the interesting theme “The role of Science Parks in accelerating knowledge economy growth – contrast between emerging and more developed economies,” the 57 speakers addressed a number of fascinating and relevant topics.

One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of the launch of the new IASP African Division, which as a result of ongoing discussions, finally took place on 18 September 2008. Mr. Tsietsi Maleho, Acting CEO of The Innovation Hub, was appointed the first IASP African Division President.

Another highlight was the renewal of the IASP Board of Directors at the General Assembly of the IASP Association held in Johannesburg on 16 September 2008. Joan Bellavista (Parc Cientific de Barcelona, Spain) was appointed the new IASP president, replacing Professor Chachanat Thebtaranonth, who held the position for the last two years.

Hosted jointly by The Innovation Hub and Blue IQ, the conference culminated in a celebratory closing ceremony that illustrated the true culture of South Africa.

The next IASP World Conference will take place in Raleigh, North Carolina from 1 to 4 June 2009, followed by Daejeon, Korea in 2010. The 2011 World Conference will be hosted in Copenhagen, Denmark.