ROLE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYPARKS IN INDUSTRIALIZATION

Isaac O. Nyambok

University of Nairobi

Conceptual Framework

Development in the last three decadesSynergies between Government, private

sector and research institutions (University)

• Interfacing of research and commercial development of products

• Research results and launching of new knowledge-based industries.

Convergence of Interests

Government’s• Economic development founded on industrial

growth• Human capitalization and population retention

Private Sector Industries• Competitive advantage founded on innovations

and application of R & D results• Acquisition of new skills and technology

Universities or Research Institutions

• Additional independent income

• Transfer of technology

• Base for innovation and research

• Profile and change of culture

Required Strategies

Bringing together innovators and entrepreneurs

Merging knowledge and industrial production

Interfacing experiments and business planning or incubation

Location

S and T Parks normally situated:• Close to areas of highest research programmes• Abundance of technical know-how and

customized instrumentation and laboratory set-ups

• Close to the hub of industrial activities

Main Goals

Provision of focal points for research and development (R & D) and innovations

Creation of business support and technology transfer initiatives

Support provision for start-ups and incubation of innovation-led, high growth, knowledge-based enterprises

Linkage between industry and universities and/or research institutions

Categories of Science and Technology Parks• One wholly owned by a university • A joint venture between a university and

other partners• A co-operative project involving a

university, local authorities and other partners

• A consortium of several research institutions and the private sector

Types of Enterprises and Ownership

• Majority of enterprises may not be involved in incubation, but the technology beyond the discovery phases

Types of Enterprises

• Research-based value added resellers• Those merging technology developed by

others with their own for enhanced new composite products

• Those assembling and selling technology developed by themselves

• Those catering for consultancy services• Those providing a base for contract research

Ownership of the Park

• Real estate owner (e.g. University of Nairobi)

• Participatory owners (those engaged in specific aspects or units and are so providing funds)

• Affiliates (not owners) involved in research collaboration, but will share in the benefits derived from intellectual property rights.

Measures of Success

Convergence of highly committed and talented personnel, and venture capital

In-built components for technology transfer, generation of income, company formation and growth, and high profile and occupancy rate

Contribution to the national economic growth and industrial development

Addition of value to the natural and other resources (raw materials)

Inward investment, floatation, awards for success stories

Payment of royalties and re-investment in knowledge capital and innovation capacity

After commercialization through venture capital, the Parks must be self-sustaining and be able to generate extra income to the investors/owners.

THAT IS OUR EXPECTATION FROM THE SCIENCE

AND TECHNOLOGY PARKS IN SPURRING

INDUSTRIALIZATION

THANK YOU