Innovation Ecosystem Professionals from around the World Predict the Future at the 34th IASP World Conference in Istanbul, Turkey

Teknopark Istanbul, İTU ARI Teknokent and ODTÜ Teknokent, hosted the 34th IASP World Conference in Istanbul, Turkey from September 26th – 29th 2017. With the theme of “Science parks and natural innovation ecosystems: Articulating future strategies,” the conference offered new insights into how Science Parks and other Areas of Innovation can prepare for the future and continue to lead their innovation communities (businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers and technicians) as well as their cities and regions through a world of rapid technological change. 

As with other concepts laden with potential, science and technology parks and their ecosystems have already shown a relentless evolution since their inception. We have seen many different models follow on from each other, and the event explored how science parks are developing new concepts of space, from FabLabs to Living Labs; how they are offering new specialized services, and creating innovative funding mechanisms to keep themselves ahead of the curve when it comes to new trends and technologies. In other words, speakers from around the world rose to the challenge of predicting the future, of our own industry and beyond.  

Held at Swissotel the Bosphorus, the event showcased the flourishing science park and area of innovation community in Istanbul. It is the second time an IASP World Conference has taken place in Turkey, recognizing its growing role in the international innovation ecosystem.

Opening Ceremony and Key Speakers

The event began with an impressive opening ceremony lead by the IASP President, Mr.Josep Piqué (La Salle Technova, Barcelona) who officially opened IASP’s 34th World Conference alongside IASP Director General Luis Sanz.

The first day’s keynote speaker was Frank Soqui (USA), General Manager of Intel’s Virtual Reality Group. He shared insights into the potential of virtual reality in education, sport, retail and medical surgery, emphasizing how essential science parks are to the development of these immersive technologies which can change our daily lives.  Dr. Faruk Özlü, Turkish Minister of Science, Industry and Technology, also addressed the opening day, underlining his commitment to Turkey’s growing innovation ecosystem.

In opening ceremony, Prof. İsmail Demir, Undersecretary for Defense Industries addressed the participants and gave information about the R&D and innovation investments of Turkey. 

IASP Signed MoU    with VR First

During the conference IASP signed a new MOU with VR First, a global virtual reality program designed to provide state-of-the-art facilities to anyone interested in exploring virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) development. VR First labs are designed to be key locations for nurturing new talent in VR development. VR First also helps developers to convert ideas into business opportunities and brings developers together with established industry partners such as Intel. Delegates at IASP Istanbul had the chance to try out some of VR First’s technology for themselves at their stand in the exhibition, where VR headsets allowed users to experience mountain climbing, skiing and space travel. 

IASP Inspiring Solutions

During the gala dinner held at Cemile Sultan Grove restaurant on the shores of the Bosphorus on September 28th, the IASP Director General Mr. Luis Sanz announced the winners of the IASP Inspiring Solutions Program 2017, as voted for by IASP members. 

The three winners were:

1st place: Bilkent Cyberpark, Turkey, for B2B Matching Methodology 

2nd place: Mjärdevi Science Park, Sweden, for Coderdojo Summercamp

3rd place: Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, Spain, for A challenge for the park

Inspiring Solutions is IASP’s knowledge-sharing initiative which gives global visibility to innovative ideas and best practices in science park and area of innovation management, and seeks to inspire other members. This year the program attracted 27 entries from across the world, 10 of which were shortlisted by an expert committee to go forward to the members voting around. 

The IASP General Assembly was held on 28th September, where IASP Full members approved the candidature of Atlanpole, (Nantes, France) to host the association’s World Conference in 2019. 

IASP members will meet in Isfahan, Iran, for the 35th World Conference in 2018, which will be hosted and organized by Isfahan Science and Technology Town.