Bridging Innovation Gaps: Challenges and Opportunities of Open Innovation in Science and Technology Parks – A Case Study of Konza Technopolis 

Innovation drives economic growth and technological advancement, but traditional closed systems often fall short in addressing complex global issues. This paper investigates the potential and challenges of open innovation, using Konza Technopolis in Kenya as a case study to illustrate how science and technology parks foster collaborative ecosystems. It analyzes strategies to optimize the sharing of global scientific and technological resources, the role of industries in shaping international innovation policies, and the impact of public-private partnerships (PPPs) on sustainable development. Virtual collaboration's effect on knowledge exchange is also explored.   

Using a qualitative methodology—case study analysis and stakeholder interviews—the paper reveals that Konza Technopolis plays a vital role in advancing open innovation through research collaboration, incubation programs, and robust digital infrastructure. The findings emphasize the importance of PPPs in financing and scaling innovation, which significantly contributes to entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and job creation in emerging economies.