- Carolina España, Minister of Economy, Finance, and European Funds and also President of the Technopoly, highlights the key role of the international network of science and technology parks in the economic transformation of the region
Carolina España, Minister of Economy, Finance, and European Funds and also President of Málaga TechPark, participated in the Executive Committee meeting of the International Association of Scientific Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) held at the headquarters of the organization in Málaga. IASP, the main global network of innovation spaces, has over 350 members representing more than 115,000 innovative businesses worldwide.
In this strategic meeting, where representatives from science parks across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa participated, the activities of the past year have been reviewed, the budget of the organization has been approved, and the strategic plans for the upcoming period have been outlined.
Carolina highlighted the significance of Málaga hosting the headquarters of such a prestigious international organization in the innovation field: “I have the honor and privilege of being the president of this park. We are extremely proud of hosting this outstanding association, which leads the technology parks worldwide, for nearly thirty years.”
The minister also emphasized the Andalusian government’s commitment to the development of technology parks and business innovation, key elements for the economic transformation and job creation in the region:
“The Andalusian government is fully committed to supporting technology parks because we know innovation is crucial for the future of our land. Our role is to create the right ecosystem for businesses, as they are the ones generating employment and wealth in our region. We have been doing this for the past six years under the leadership of Juanma Moreno, and we continue working on it day by day,” she outlined.
IASP is an independent, non-profit global organization managed by experts in science and technology parks and innovation areas. It includes businesses from 78 different countries and one of its objectives is to coordinate international forums and promote the internationalization of science and technology parks. Over the year, IASP organizes more than ten conferences and events while representing science parks at top-tier institutions, reinforcing their role in sustainable economic development.
The Executive Committee meeting of IASP was held at the social headquarters of Málaga TechPark on February 14 with the participation of international key figures, including:
- Lena Miranda, IASP President and President of Linköping Science Park (Sweden)
- Salvatore Majorana, IASP Vice President and Head of Kilometro Rosso Science Park (Italy)
- Ebba Lund, IASP Director General
- Jorge Audy, Treasurer and Representative of TECNOPUC – Science Technology Park of PUCRS (Brazil)
- Ludwe Macingwane, President of the African Division and Head of East London IDZ SOC (South Africa)
- Tom Bentley, President of the Asia-Pacific Division and Representative of Melbourne Innovation Districts (Australia)
- Adriana Ferreira da Silva, President of the Latin American Division, representing Technology Park of Viçosa (Brazil)
- Car Viel, President of the North American Division, representing Quebec International (Canada)
- Shigekata Mizuno, Director of Kyoto Research Park (Japan)
- Mieke de Bruin, Director of Utrecht Science Park (Netherlands)
- Herbert Chen, Director of Tsinghua University Science Park (China)
- Jean-François Balducchi, Director of Atlanpole (France)
- Felipe Romera, Director General of Málaga TechPark
Since inaugurated in February 1996, the headquarters of IASP, located in Málaga TechPark, has played a key role as a crucial global hub for innovation, consolidating Málaga as an inspiration in the technological and scientific field.
Carolina España welcomed participants, encouraging them to explore the city and its potential as a tech hub. “It is an honor to have you here. We are delighted that you can spend a few days in our region and experience firsthand the transformation that Málaga and Andalusia are achieving thanks to innovation.”, she stated.