Preface - COMSTECHcomstech.org/docs/15thGa/INSTP/Reprt of INSTP.pdf · The twin pillars of...

COMSTECH OIC Standing Committee on

Scientific & Technological Cooperation

INSTP

Inter-Islamic Network On Science & Technology Parks

Governmental Complex, Entezam Sq.,Beheshti Blvd., Rasht, Guilan, Iran

Tel: 0098-131-4242512 Fax: 0098-131-4242512 Email: [email protected]

Preface

On my own behalf and on behalf of INSTP 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 INSTP objectives.

M. Mottaghitalab (Ph.D.)

Secretary General

Inter Islamic Network on Science and Technology Parks (INSTP)



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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 1st Workshop

2.3. Organizing the 1st General Assembly of INSTP

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. 14th Trade Fair of the OIC Member States (14th TFOIC 2013)

2.8. Supporting the First International Conference on Commercialization of Technology

2.9. Organizing 2nd Workshop

2.10. Al-Mustafa (PBUH) Prize

2.11. INSTP Periodic Newsletter

2.12. Members of INSTP

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



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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 (INSTP). This `Mission` and “Strategy” should be within the scope of INSTP as well

as OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH).

In brief, cooperation between Science and Technology Parks of member states through INSTP 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 13th General Assembly Meeting of COMSTECH (April 2008, Islamabad) the preliminary

decision for establishing INSTP 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 INSTP feasibility study by

the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of Islamic Republic of Iran (MSRT).

In the 14th General Assembly Meeting of COMSTECH (January 2011, Islamabad) the proposal of

INSTP establishment in Islamic Republic of Iran was approved. Therefore GSTP was selected as the

headquarters of INSTP.



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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 (INSTP) 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 INSTP constitution, the objectives of INSTP 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 7th, 2012. More over

the exclusive website of INSTP (www.INSTP.ir) was launched.



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2-2- Organizing 1st 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, INSTP convened a

two-day workshop on:

“The Role of Science and Technology Parks in the Knowledge-based Economic Development”

on August 27th-28th, 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.



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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 INSTP is to be a key organization for changing socio-economic development

model towards a knowledge-based development by facilitating the flow of knowledge from



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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 1st General Assembly of INSTP

The first general assembly of INSTP 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:



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1. Welcome and opening. Dr. Abdul Ghafour chairs the meeting.

2. The President gives brief history of INSTP and its importance.

3. The Presidents explains the INSTP 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 INSTP was discussed and approved by the

participants. In addition, Guilan Science and Technology Park (GSTP) was elected as the permanent

secretariat of INSTP, and the executive council of INSTP 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



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2-4- Launching the Technology Transfer Service

In order to facilitate the transfer of technology amongst the members of INSTP, 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 INSTP in order to establish a Science and Technology Park in Iraq. INSTP

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, INSTP 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 INSTP agreed to fund the event with a sum of 5,000 USD. The workshop was to

take place on September 9th, 10th 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 28th, 2013

till November 1st, 2013, and was held in Tehran Permanent Fairground.



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As part of our mission to commercialize technological knowledge and create foreign investment

opportunities in Islamic countries, INSTP 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

INSTP supported the First International Conference on Commercialization of Technology that was

held on March 9th, 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



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2-9- Organizing 2nd Workshop

One of the goals of INSTP 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 1st, 2014 in the INSTP 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



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2-10- Al-Mustafa (PBUH) Prize

INSTP 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 INSTP 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- INSTP Periodic Newsletter

INSTP 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 INSTP

newsletter covers many topics of interest to our members regarding STPs management and work,

as well as introducing our members and INSTP news and announcements.



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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1, APRIL 2013 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, AUGUST 2013

VOLUME 2 ,ISSUE 1, JANUARY 2014 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2, MAY 2014



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2-12- Members of INSTP

Since the launch of INSTP, 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, INSTP 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:

INSTP Members

Center Country No.

BizCube by BetterStories Bangladesh 1

Center for Innovation Indonesia 2

Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) Malaysia 3

Technology Incubation Center, Akure Nigeria 4

Technology Incubation Center Gusau, Zamfara State Nigeria 5

National Sciences and Technology Park (NSTP) Pakistan 6

An-Najah National. University Palestine 7

Dakar ICT Incubator Senegal 8

Community Engineering Programme Senegal 9

Syrian Enterprise & Business Center Syria 10

Dar Teknohama Business Incubator Tanzania 11

BiotechPole Sidi Thabet Tunisia 12

Teknopark Istanbul Inc Turkey 13



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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 INSTP 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 INSTP 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 INSTP.

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 INSTP.

4- Suggestions

According to the experiences and challenges faced in the last three years, INSTP propose these

suggestions as follow:

• INSTP should be introduced to the OIC member states and they should be encouraged to

cooperate with and participate in INSTP activities and programs for mutual benefits.

• Financial support should be provided by IDB and COMSTECH for INSTP in order to help

establish STPs and incubation centers in OIC member states.

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