Leaders of International Technoparks Exchanged their Ideas

Representatives of Russian and international technoparks discussed modern trends in technological and entrepreneurial development on November 19-20 in Moscow. Organized by Skolkovo Technopark, Open University Skolkovo and Russian Venture Company the meeting brought together technoparks` representatives, officials, heads of development institutes and universities from Russia, Europe, Asia and Commonwealth of Independent States. ITMO University Technopark was represented by its` head Alexander Kolousov.

The most important event of the first day was a roundtable meeting where experts discussed advantages and opportunities of international communications. Oleg Movsesyan, general director of Moscow State University Science Park, headed the talks.

A lot of famous speakers also visited the meeting. Jari Lauronen, IASP`s CEO, Anna Gorbatova, Deputy CEO of Center of Gravity for high-tech industries in Moscow, Sergei Teplov, head of Strogino Technopark and other officials of leading Russian technoparks made their speeches. Presenting his report Mr. Kolousov shared ITMO University Technopark`s achievements.

“As its` active participant our technopark is involved in a variety of 5-100 projects` activities. Thanks to it we collaborate with international technoparks. For instance, we signed an agreement with Turku Science Park, New Co Helsinki, Argentine Union of Young Entrepreneurs (UNAJE), which covered more than 3000 Argentine companies. We also collaborate with Joensuu Science Park. Currently ITMO University researchers present their papers on “Photonics and forest sector” there. Taking part in “Minsk Days” at the beginning of December we signed an agreement with Minsk Technopark. We have much in common with our colleagues, thus we are going to develop lots of joint projects,” said Alexander Kolousov.

Participants exchanged their views on international collaboration and startup promotion, as well as discussed how to enter the global market. Experts also presented the most successful projects based on International Association of Science Parks.

The second day was opened with a discussion on cooperation between science centers and universities. Participants presented such collaboration patterns as “technopark - university” and “technopark – science center” based on Asian and European experience, as well as shared achievements of Finnish, Iranian and Turkish technoparks. According to speakers, one of the most important fields is communication with different target groups. It should result in developing residents` teams and business incubators.

“This meeting correlates with the idea of interaction between innovation strategies of technoparks. That is why it is very important for us to meet with each other in order to exchange experiences. Technoparks don`t obey any common rules, all of them are unique. I`m sure that all of us have received some useful points,” underlined Mr. Kolousov.