Since 1993, UNESCO has been promoting interaction between science, technology, innovation and economic development via its University-Industry Science Partnership (UNISPAR) Programme.

Originally, the programme aimed to raise the quality of technical universities in developing countries and to encourage them to become more involved in the industrialization of their country. In 2002, the goal of UNISPAR was reoriented toward promoting ties between universities and the productive sector with an emphasis on the establishment of science and technology parks.

Science and technology parks hold a special interest for UNESCO because these complexes foster knowledge-based economies by bringing together scientific research, business and governmental organizations in a single physical location. The parks also promote technology innovation and incubation and training, and provide facilities for exhibiting products and market development.

Concept and definition
Principle and Practice
UNESCO initiatives

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