KACST hosts workshop to strengthen STP networks and propel Saudi innovation

The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, recently hosted a workshop on science, technology, and research park (STP) national networks, co-organised by IASP. 

The event brought together international and local experts to explore synergies and collaborative opportunities among STPs and Technology Valleys globally, aiming to boost innovation, economic growth, and Saudi Arabia's global science and technology stature. 

The workshop also aimed at exploring the formation of a national Saudi STP network, focusing on policy alignment, international connectivity, and bridging the academia-industry divide through a collaborative round table discussion.

Attendees included IASP CEO, Ebba Lund; IASP WANA Division President Hussain Al Mahmoudi of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park), UAE; and association peers Anprotec (represented by Adriana Ferreira de Faria, Brazil), APTE (Soledad Diaz, Spain), SISP (Anders Nilsson, Sweden), and Thai-BISPA (Lhing Witthayaweerasak, Thailand).

The workshop also spotlighted KACST's efforts to drive innovation through initiatives like "the Garage," and featured insights from science park associations from around the world and Saudi Arabian government entities on strategies to support the national innovation ecosystem.

Local science and technology parks such as Dhahran Techno Valley (DTVC), Saudi Aramco’s Innovation and Product Development Center (LAB7), Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City (MISK City), KAUST Research and Technology Park (KRTP), and Dammam Valley presented their contributions to Saudi Arabia's innovation landscape, sharing objectives, activities, and success stories. This showcased the tangible impacts these parks have on technological advancement and economic growth within the Kingdom.

For more information on future IASP events, visit the IASP Events section.