The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) are key drivers enabling and accelerating global transformation towards prosperous, inclusive and environmentally sustainable economies. Well-developed and dynamic STI parks play an important role in increasing knowledge and technology flows, supporting technology diffusion and promoting innovation.

However, as outlined in UNCTAD’s Technology and Innovation Report 2018, many STI parks have struggled to achieve their intended developmental objectives. Recognizing this, many developing countries, including Uzbekistan, seek guidance on how to design and operate STI parks effectively to contribute to national innovation strategies and broader socio-economic development.

The UNCTAD project "Science, Technology and Innovation Parks for Sustainable Development", funded by the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund, aims to strengthen the policy and operational capacities of STI parks in selected countries. This project enables policymakers and practitioners to learn from the successful experiences of other countries, where STI parks have played a key role in technological and industrial development.

This multi-stakeholder workshop aims to:

• Develop a consensus among the stakeholders on the way forward after the two capacity-building training workshops in China and one in Uzbekistan.
• Develop a draft STI park roadmap and action plan for Uzbekistan, with support from experts and UNCTAD staff, tailored to national priorities and innovation goals.
• Strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships for the success of STI parks in Uzbekistan.

The workshop will bring together:

• Government officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Finance and other government agencies involved in STI policy design or STI park/incubator/accelerator design and operation
• STI park managers, incubator and accelerator operators and industry representatives.
• Startups and firms in STI parks/incubators/accelerators
• Women entrepreneurs’ Association and Youth entrepreneurs’ Association
• Academia, researchers and experts engaged in STI-focused policy and STI park development.
• International experts, providing insights from their national STI park models.