NAIROBI, Kenya- At the heart of Kenya’s technological evolution, innovation spaces are emerging as critical drivers of growth, according to experts at the International Association of Science Parks (IASP) pre-conference seminar in Nairobi.
These hubs, which foster collaboration between universities, startups, and research institutions, are helping shape the future of technology in Kenya and globally.
Innovation spaces, such as science and technology parks, are essential because they bring together diverse stakeholders to create new solutions.
According to IASP Chief Executive Ebba Lund, these spaces focus on research and development activities and provide a supportive ecosystem for innovation to thrive.
In Kenya, such environments are more than just workspaces. They offer infrastructure, access to top talent, and valuable networking opportunities.
“Organized innovation spaces will involve developing a broader ecosystem that will not allow one model to replace the other,” Lund noted, emphasizing that these spaces offer flexibility and support a range of innovation models.
This year, Nairobi is playing host to the 41st edition of the IASP Conference, a global gathering that has drawn over 1,500 delegates from 400 science parks and innovation hubs worldwide.
Kenya is only the second African country to host this prestigious event, following South Africa in 2008. The conference, hosted by Konza Technopolis, is focusing on the impact of changing demographics on technology and entrepreneurship.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, John Tanui, who also serves as President of the IASP Africa Chapter, highlighted the significance of the event.
“We are proud to host the 41st edition of the IASP Conference, making Kenya the second country in Africa to host it.”
The conference theme, “Demographics, Entrepreneurship, and Technology: Defining the Frontiers of Future Economies,” is particularly relevant as countries around the world grapple with shifting population trends and their impact on innovation.
Throughout the conference, sessions will dive into key topics, including youth entrepreneurship, innovation in emerging markets, fintech, and digital skills.
Experts from academia, business, and government will exchange ideas on how innovation spaces can continue to drive technological advancements in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Konza Technopolis CEO Paul Okwiri expressed excitement about the depth of discussions set to take place: “We look forward to very engaging sessions during the conference with great inputs from the panel of experts, practitioners, innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.”
As innovation spaces grow in importance, their role in shaping both Kenya’s and the world’s tech landscape cannot be overstated.
