- More than 100 attendees from science and technology parks across Spain, European experts in research and transfer, and representatives from regional development agencies gathered at the Alicante Science Park
The Alicante Science Park has hosted the XXII International Conference of the Spanish Association of Science and Technology Parks (APTE), which took place on November 21. The event will brought together over 100 attendees from science and technology parks across Spain, European experts in research, transfer, and development, as well as representatives from regional development agencies associated with the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA).
The conference has been an unique opportunity to strengthen connections in knowledge valorization and regional development, as well as to promote technology transfer and innovation.
The event started with an opening ceremony featuring Vice-Rector for Transfer, Innovation, and Scientific Outreach at the University of Alicante, María Jesús Pastor; Councillor for Employment and Development at the Alicante City Council, María del Carmen de España; a representative from the Valencian Generalitat´s Ministry of Innovation; and Felipe Romera, President of APTE.
The program featured two round tables key for the sector. The first one, titled “The Impact of Science and Technology Parks on Knowledge and Technology Transfer,” explored the crucial role these spaces play in driving innovation. This panel was moderated by Managing Director of APTE, Soledad Díaz, and will include the participation of:
- Alicia Shelley, Director of Operations and Partnerships of the International Association of theInternational Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP).
- José Izquierdo, Adviser in the Business Development Department from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
- Olga Francés, member of the OTRI Networko in the University of Alicante.
- Juan Antonio Bertolín, Director of Science and Technology Park of the University Jaume I in Castellón, ESPAITEC.
- Roberta Dall’Olio, Director of the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA).
- Pedro Navalón, General Manager of Labaqua (company of the Alicante Science Park).
The second round table, titled “New Open and Participatory Approaches for Knowledge and Technology Transfer,” explored more collaborative approaches to promote co-creation. This panel was moderated by the founder of Stickydot, Marzia Mazzonetto and will include the participation of:
- Iphigenia Pottaki, Policy Officer in Unit Knowledge valorisation and IPR, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission.
- Mireia Manent, co-founder and senior project manager of WeDo.
- Esteban Pelayo, manager in the Alicante Science Park
- Elzbieta J. Ksiazek, Advice and Technology Transfer del Poznan Science and Technology Park.
- Xiaomi Li, member of the Department of Business Management of the Rovira i Virgili University
- Juan Carlos Trujillo, co-founder and chief scientific office from Lucentia Lab (Alicante Science Park Company).
The conference concluded with the APTE awards ceremony, where the Best Practice in Science and Technology Parks of APTE 2024 will be recognized, along with the most active parks in the Project Managers Network of APTE during 2023. Additionally, the VII Awards for the Promotion of Science and Technology Parks in the Spanish Press will be presented, honoring the media most involved in promoting the activities carried out by science and technology parks across Spain.
On November 20, APTE convened its Project Managers Network and hold its III General Assembly of 2024, during which parks celebrating their 20th anniversary will be recognized. Additionally, networking activities will take place, offering participants the chance to strengthen ties and explore future collaborations.
Manager of the Alicante Science Park, Esteban Pelayo emphasized the importance of this event: “Alicante is the perfect setting to host this conference, which will not only allow the key players in Spain’s innovation ecosystem to share experiences and knowledge but also boost international and regional collaboration. We are confident that this meeting will strengthen technology and knowledge transfer and open new avenues for sustainable regional development and collaborative innovation. The conference reflects the Alicante Science Park’s commitment to excellence and to the creation of synergies that make a difference in the technology sector”.
President of APTE, Felipe Romera, considered the APTE International Conference to be “a great opportunity to exchange diverse perspectives on the key roles of Spanish science and technology parks with parks and entities from other countries. This knowledge exchange is essential for strengthening the regional innovation ecosystems fostered by Spanish science and technology parks.”