ECOSF and IRIS jointly organized a webinar Science Parks and Support for Start-up Companies in COVID-19 era

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In recognition of emerging role of Science and Technology Parks (STPs) and Incubation Centers as essential platforms to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ECOSF in collaboration with its partner- Isfahan Regional Center for Technology Business Incubators & Science Parks Development (IRIS), Iran under the auspices of UNESCO, organized a webinar on Science Parks and Support for Start-up Companies in COVID-19 era on August 12, 2020.

Ms. Mozhgan Yazdianpour, Director of International Scientific Cooperation Department of IRIS opened the webinar by highlighting the important role of science parks and presented the key objectives of this webinar. Ms. Yazdianpour also appreciated the valued partnership amongst the ECOSF, IRIS and other key stakeholders for providing their valuable insights on STI parks in the region.

Dr. Mohammad Javad Omidi Director of IRIS, Iran in his statement, underlined that the impact on SME’s and start-up companies has been both positive and negative. Some have achieved growth and expansion while others have been hit hard by the pandemic, he added. However, net effect of this pandemic has accelerated the disruptive role of digital technologies for the businesses, Prof. Omidi said. Thus, he called for the need for Science Parks to reorient their business models to respond to the emerging challenges of COVID-19. Dr. Omidi concluded that Science Parks would play important role in saving communities during these difficult times.

Engr. Khalil Raza, Scientific Officer ECOSF delivered his talk on ECOSF - a Platform for Promoting Science, Technology and Innovation through Development of STI Parks in the ECO Region. Engr. Raza highlighted as to how start-ups and entrepreneurial eco-system in the ECO region have been hit hard by the pandemic. Mr. Khalil called for introducing supportive measures and policies for startups during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the ECO region.

Prof. Hak-Min Kim, Professor of Soonchunyang University of Korea delivered his talk on Start-up-Business Opportunities in the Post COVID era: A case of Smart City Development in S&T Park. Prof. Kim elaborated on innovative approaches to development of smart city through smart connections of Industry, Universities and Research organizations to untap new economic opportunities. Prof. Kim emphasized that policy support from the government is a key to the successful development of smart cities. 

Prof. Dr. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Science Bureau for Asia and the Pacific in his talk shared as to how the UNESCO Science Networks have responded to the COVID-19 and beefed up their efforts to strengthen the scientific community in the region. Prof. Khan emphasized that STI are crucial not only to manage the COVID-19 pandemic but also to prepare for global threats. Prof. Khan shared important initiatives undertaken by the UNESCO Jakarta office with emphasis on effective use of science to enable and empower Asia and the Pacific region in responding to COVID-19.

Dr. Jafar Ghaisari, President of Isfahan Science and Technology Town (ISTT) in his remarks gave an account of Iranian Science and Technology Parks and how they have responded to the financial and economic crisis as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Ghaisari shared a number of measures to provide support to struggling enterprises housed in the ISTT.

Prof. Dr. Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman, President and CEO of the Malaysian Industry Group for High Technology (MIGHT) shared the Malaysian experience and emphasized that the Science Parks and their tenants play an important role in providing the opportunities and market access to start-ups and SMEs. He said that start-up companies could play an important role in preparing the country towards addressing the key challenged during the COVID-19 era.

Mr. Herbert Hong Bo Chen, the Vice President of International Association of Science Parks (IASP) delivered his talk on the “Challenges and Countermeasures – How to deal with the new epidemic in China’s STPs”. Mr. Chen underlined that over 80% of the enterprises in science parks globally are facing survival crisis due to the pandemic. Mr. Chen concluded that epidemic has accelerated the transition process and the core value of STPs is to meet the changing needs of society in transition. 

At the end, floor was opened for the Q&A session where panelists responded to the questions raised by the audience. In the end, Prof. Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro delivered his closing remarks and highlighting the important role of SMEs and start-ups to socio-economic development of the region. He appreciated and thanked all the speakers, experts, partners and participants for their valuable insights and support to the STPs and start-ups in the region.

The recorded session is available on ECOSF Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/181178742083700/videos/853187102174409