http://hdl.handle.net/10628/306 Mon, 20 May 2013 13:55:54 GMT 2013-05-20T13:55:54Z http://hdl.handle.net/10628/308 Title: Building the critical mass for STPs in small countries: The Namibian experience. Authors: Toelg, Christian; Honsbein, Dagmar Abstract: Building science & technology parks (STPs) requires a critical mass of research institutions and innovative companies as well as a significant number of innovative emerging companies. Companies in small developing countries such as Namibia face numerous challenges stifling their potential growth and preventing them from becoming suitable tenants of an STP. Given this environment, the implementation of the Science & Technology Park at the Namibia Business Innovation Centre (NBIC) was planned as the last step of a staged rollout of programmes targeting entrepreneurs and SMEs across the country in a first and a business incubator as a second step. These steps are designed to build a critical mass of innovative start-up companies that eventually ’graduate’ from programmes and incubator to move into the STP. At the same time, NBIC is partnering with existing technology companies that are interested in moving into the STP. A key motivation here is that the STP will develop training programmes for employees and graduates in industry-relevant skills leading to industry certification. The first phase of implementation already exposed a wide array of challenges for entrepreneurs and existing SMEs as well as a need to focus stronger on rural areas to support entrepreneurs there. We report on the status of implantation and the lessons learned in creating a critical mass for a sustainable STP in Namibia. Description: International Association of Science Parks Conference (28th : 2011 June 19-22 : Copenhagen, Denmark) Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10628/308 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10628/307 Title: Rural innovation workshop. Authors: Toelg, Christian Abstract: This workshop aims to review current approaches to developing the innovation potential in rural areas, consider lessons learned to date and explore suitable approaches for smaller developing countries, such as Namibia. Participants will brainstorm and collaboratively filter ideas and then, jointly develop an outline for a structure and process for a rural innovation programme. Participants will discuss issues related to the capture, dissemination and commercialization of rural innovations; stakeholder involvement and roles; benefit sharing models; IP ownership models; ICT and other infrastructure. Description: Indigenous Knowledge Technology Conference (IKTC) (2011 Nov. 2-4 : Windhoek, Namibia) Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10628/307 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z