The 41st International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) World Conference bringing together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore the intersection of demographics, entrepreneurship, and technology in shaping the future economies of the world, was officially opened by the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“Our future is being shaped by the intersection of technology and human ingenuity. We are witnessing the rise of new industries that will be critical in addressing global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and social inequality,” DP Gachagua said.
(TOP: DP Rigathi Gachagua makes his formal speech at the opening session of the IASP World Conference).
Hosted at the heart of Africa’s innovation hub, the prestigious event, being held from September 24-27, 2024 at the Edge Convention Centre, focusses on how the unique demographic trends of rising youth populations, coupled with the explosion of technological advancements and entrepreneurial spirit, are defining new economic frontiers.
The government of Kenya is investing billions of shillings in installing 100,000km of national fibre optic cable, building and equipping 1,450 digital hubs across all the wards among other projects to accelerate the digital transformation of the economy as envisaged under our blue print of Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“This convergence is not only influencing how we live and work but is also fundamentally transforming industries, communities, and the very foundations of our economies. Our challenge is to bridge the gap between the opportunities presented by demographic trends and the catalytic power of technology and entrepreneurship,” Eng. Tanui, the PS, State Department of ICT and the Digital Economy said.
Eng. Tanui doubles up as the President of IASP Africa Chapter.
“This event serves as a symbol of our collective commitment to fostering innovation and accelerating technological advancements that respond to the demographic and entrepreneurial challenges we face today.”
Konza Technopolis Development Authority Chairman Prof. Raphael Munavu, noted that innovation ecosystems were dynamic and diverse, and required constant adaptation and collaboration among various stakeholders.
“We are witnessing a whirlwind of technological innovations, disruptive technologies and new way of doing things which in the bigger scheme of things require that we collaborate to enhance the positive aspect of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. We believe this conference has come at an opportune time in our national, continental and global development stages,” Prof. Munavu said.
IASP President Lena Miranda said the conference theme had particular significance in addressing the challenges posed by the aging global population.
“Science parks and areas of innovation has a bigger role in empowering regions such as Africa and Asia to harness the potential of their burgeoning youth demographic, entrepreneurship, and technology for economic growth and also in addressing the challenges posed by a global population that is steadily ageing. In this context, the theme calls upon us to reflect on critical components of collaboration across the world to ensure that there is a sufficient talent pool, innovation, and technology base, to sustain the global economy,” Ms. Miranda said.
Kenya won the bid to host the 41st IASP World Conference in September 2022. Delegates from more than 400 science parks and innovation hubs are expected to attend the conference, which is being organized Konza Technopolis.
IASP is the worldwide network of science parks and areas of innovation, dedicated to fostering knowledge exchange, collaboration, and sustainable development between governments, academia, and the private sector.
Konza (Konza Technopolis) is a key flagship project of Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic development portfolio. Konza will be a world-class city, powered by a thriving information, communications and technology (ICT) sector, superior reliable infrastructure and business friendly governance systems.
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