Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua officially opened the 41st International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) World Conference in Nairobi, emphasizing the critical role of technology, entrepreneurship, and demographics in shaping the future of global economies. The conference, which runs from September 24 to 27, 2024, is taking place at the Edge Convention Centre and brings together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore the impact of these trends on economic development.
A Platform for Global Innovation Dialogue
In his opening remarks, Deputy President Gachagua stressed the importance of leveraging technology to address key global challenges, including climate change, urbanization, and social inequality. “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 these global challenges,” Gachagua stated.
The event comes at a time when Africa’s innovation landscape is experiencing rapid growth, making Kenya an ideal host for the prestigious gathering. Gachagua highlighted Kenya’s efforts to accelerate its digital transformation, noting that the government is investing in 100,000 kilometers of national fibre optic cable and establishing 1,450 digital hubs in every ward as part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). These projects are designed to spur economic growth by enhancing digital access and innovation.
Convergence of Technology and Demographic Trends
One of the key themes of the conference is the potential of Africa’s youthful population to drive innovation and economic growth. With a burgeoning youth demographic and rapid technological advancements, Africa is poised to capitalize on these trends. Eng. John Tanui, Permanent Secretary for the State Department of ICT & Digital Economy and President of the IASP Africa Chapter, emphasized the need to bridge the gap between demographic opportunities and technological progress.
“This convergence is not only influencing how we live and work but is also fundamentally transforming industries, communities, and economies,” said Eng. Tanui. He added that the challenge lies in aligning demographic trends with the transformative potential of technology and entrepreneurship to ensure sustainable development.
Collaborative Innovation for a Global Economy
The IASP World Conference is a platform for sharing knowledge and strategies on building innovation ecosystems that foster collaboration and growth. Prof. Raphael Munavu, Chairman of Konza Technopolis Development Authority, emphasized the importance of partnerships in harnessing the potential of disruptive technologies and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“We are witnessing a whirlwind of technological innovations and new ways of doing things, which require collaboration to fully embrace the positive aspects of Industrial Revolution 4.0,” Prof. Munavu remarked. He stressed that the conference comes at a pivotal time in both Kenya’s and Africa’s development, offering a timely opportunity to discuss how innovation can fuel progress.
Global Collaboration to Address Aging Populations
While Africa’s youth bulge presents unique opportunities, other regions, particularly in the West, are grappling with aging populations. IASP President Lena Miranda spoke about the importance of collaboration between regions with youthful populations, like Africa and Asia, and those with aging populations, like Europe and North America.
“Science parks and areas of innovation have a critical role in empowering regions to harness their demographic potential. The theme of this conference calls on us to collaborate globally to ensure we have a sufficient talent pool, innovation, and technology base to sustain the global economy,” Miranda said.
Kenya’s Role on the Global Stage
Kenya won the bid to host the 41st IASP World Conference in 2022, solidifying its place as a leader in Africa’s innovation landscape. With over 400 science parks and innovation hubs represented, the event is expected to drive important discussions on the role of science parks in fostering economic growth through technology and entrepreneurship.
Kenya’s Konza Technopolis, a flagship project under the Vision 2030 development blueprint, plays a central role in positioning the country as a tech and innovation hub. The conference offers Kenya an opportunity to showcase its progress and initiatives in building a thriving innovation ecosystem.
