(MENAFN- The Peninsula) For the first time in the Arab World, the International Association of Science Parks World Conference (IASP2014) was convened in Doha yesterday.
IASP2014, the 31st world conference of International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, was inaugurated by H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Visionary Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, together with Rick Weddle, ISAP President, at Qatar National Convention Centre.
The three-day conference is being held under the theme 'Science Parks; where Technology Goes to Work,' highlighting the need to transform research into practice. The event is hosted by Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP).
In 2012, Qatar Foundation Research & Development's Qatar Science and Technology Park won a competitive bid to host the conference.
"It's significant that the conference is held in Doha.
"It indicates the recognition of Qatar and the region as the driving force in the area of science, technology and innovation," said Hamad Al Kuwari, Managing Director, QSTP and Head of IASP 2014 Doha Organising Committee.
On the importance of science and technology parks, he said, "Science parks are incubators fostering the environment required for fast commercialisation of research and bringing technology to the market."
More than 400 delegates attended the opening session, along with entrepreneurs, tech leaders and policymakers.
The conference aims to explore challenges and opportunities of innovation management, with experts and policymakers setting the agenda for science and technology hubs around the world.
In his keynote speech, Chad Hurley, Co-Founder of YouTube - the world's largest and most popular video sharing site and the third most visited site - shared his experience.
He discussed the rise of YouTube and managing its meteoric growth.
With entrepreneurs in Qatar and delegates at the summit, he shared lessons learned from his experience.
"The YouTube experience taught me that a small group of individuals with the same vision can make a difference and I believe this is very similar to any science and technology park aiming to achieve its goals.
"My advice to all entrepreneurs and innovators in Qatar is to surround themselves with great individuals who are ready to create solutions for the greater good.
"I still feel there is a tremendous opportunity for videos as a platform" There is opportunity because the world is always waiting for more," he added.
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