UNCTAD enhances capacity to design, operate and manage STI parks

It does this by facilitating collaboration between research institutions, businesses, and entrepreneurs, often focused on developing new technologies and bringing them to market; essentially a hub for technological advancement within a region.” They are vital in fostering innovation ecosystems and nurturing talent. By driving technological advancement, creating jobs, and diversifying the economy, STI parks significantly contribute to sustainable growth.

As part of ongoing efforts to support Ghana's development agenda and promote sustainable development through STI, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) held a national workshop in Accra to strengthen Ghana's capacity to design, operate, and manage STI parks.

Participants at the 3-day workshop were trained in establishing, developing and managing STI parks and an enabling STI policy environment. It provided participants with essential skills and knowledge for effective STI park management, covering critical areas such as policy coherence, financial sustainability, outreach strategies, tenant management, incubation processes and evaluating innovation outcomes.

According to UNCTAD’s Chief of STI for Development, Ms. Liping Zhang, an UNCTAD report on " Science, technology and innovation parks development in Ghana: Assessment and Policy Issues" indicates that although Ghana stands out as a regional leader in STI in key areas like human capital, infrastructure and business sophistication per the Global Innovation Index, there are several challenges that limit the effectiveness and growth of STI parks. “Addressing these challenges is critical to unlocking the full potential of Ghana's STI park ecosystem” she said. 

The UN Resident Coordinator a.i and Head of UNESCO, Mr. Edmond Moukala noted that the training will enhance the ability to develop pipeline of bankable projects that will attract the requisite partnership and financing for investing in and establishing STI Parks in Ghana. 

“The United Nations supports this initiative towards building a robust foundation for the development and management of STI parks that will not only advance Ghana’s STI policies but also contribute meaningfully to the country’s sustainable development goals” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Deputy Director for CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (CSIR-STEPRI), Dr. Rose Omari emphasized the importance of the workshop in aligning with CSIR's strategic goals in seven thematic areas, including food security, climate change, and sustainable development.