UNCTAD project on Science, Technology and Innovation Parks for Sustainable Development

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has successfully completed its flagship project "Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Parks for Sustainable Development: Building Expertise in Policy and Practice". 

Running from April 2023 and supported by over USD 1 million from the UN 2030 Agenda Sub‑Fund, the initiative focused on enhancing the role of innovation hubs in driving sustainable development across four countries: Ghana, Mongolia, Mozambique, and Uzbekistan.

The project aimed to strengthen local capacities by training policymakers and science park managers to design and implement effective Science, Technology and Innovation STI policies, ensure financial sustainability, and expand incubation and outreach services. A central pillar of the project was fostering South–South cooperation, including hands-on training in China, policy toolkits tailored to local needs, twinning partnerships, and multi-stakeholder workshops to support knowledge exchange and practical implementation. Key players from the IASP community were in the network of experts for this project.  

By its conclusion, the project had helped participating countries build networks of STI practitioners and develop actionable national roadmaps aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting economic growth, innovation infrastructure, and international partnerships.

Concrete outcomes included the publication of four country-specific STI park assessments (Mozambique, Uzbekistan, Ghana, and Mongolia) offering detailed insights and recommendations. National and regional workshops supported the rollout of these plans, while a high-level training session in Shenzhen, China, brought together key stakeholders for immersive learning and cross-country collaboration.

The project leaves behind a strengthened foundation for science, technology, and innovation-driven growth in each of the participating countries, with enhanced capabilities to shape future development through targeted, knowledge-based strategies.

Links  to the reports:

Ghana https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/tcsdtlinf2024d4_en.pdf 

Mozambique https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/tcsdtlinf2024d3_en.pdf

Mongolia https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/tcsdtlinf2025d1_en.pdf

Uzbekistan https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/tcsdtlinf2024d7_en.pdf