Workshop on the role of Science and Technology Parks and Incubators in Innovation Ecosystems: Promoting Technology Transfer and Innovation. Focus on the Danube and Adriatic-Ionian Macro Regions and the Western Balkan countries

The workshop was co-organised by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the Region of Central Macedonia, Hellenic Republic, in association with the International Association of Science and Technology Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP), The Thessaloniki Technology Park, i4G Incubator and AREA Science Park. The objectives of the workshop were to create space for exchange of know-how among practitioners from the region on successful practices in the development and management of science parks and incubators and to explore and understand the role that these can play in creating value and developing innovation ecosystems. The workshop was aimed at exploring the different models for Science and Technology Parks (STPs) and incubator development and financing as well as management. During the event the roles of various stakeholders, both private and public (industry, academia, government and investment community, etc.) in generating a virtuous circle that can accelerate local economic development and increase regional competitiveness were considered. Additionally, the event focused on stimulating discussion on identifying best practices that can help tackle issues and bottlenecks that are specific to the Danube and Adriatic-Ionian macro-regions, and the Western Balkan countries. The overall conclusions of the workshop are expected to assist in streamlining the technology commercialisation and technology transfer systems in all countries concerned including member states, candidate and neighbourhood countries.JRC.I.4-Intellectual Property and Technology Transfe