Leveraging funding and partnerships to catalyze science and technology parks: A case of dest-park customized strategies for innovation ecosystem development

Science and technology parks (STPs) are dynamic ecosystems that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development by bringing together academia, industry, government, and research institutions. In the rapidly evolving landscape of science and technology, funding and partnerships play pivotal roles in driving innovation and progress.  The Dedan Kimathi Science and Technology Park (DeST-Park) adopted multifaceted dynamic funding mechanisms and collaborative partnerships to catalyse advanced scientific research, and technological development, for greater societal impact. DeST-Park brought together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and funding agencies in a unique partnership model. In exploring public investment, private sector participation has sustained STP initiatives. Through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) the park has raised over KSh 3 billion worth of investments. Further, the onboarded international collaboration and global networks foster opportunities for cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange worldwide, creating an innovation ecosystem with a global reach. This work explores DeST-Park initiatives and strategies for sustainable funding and partnerships.