Development of science, technology and innovation is critical to future economic growth. Initiatives such as science and technology parks which provide enabling infrastructure and bring together key stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, researchers and investors often bring positive impacts on the development and commercialization of innovative solutions.

However, effective development and management of these parks is not always easy. In addition, many of the enterprises and innovations developed in science and technology parks often struggle to enter regional and international markets. While there has been an explosion of science and technology parks in the region, they are disparate and unconnected. There is an opportunity to build a stronger network of science and technology parks in the region to support the co-creation of innovation, and create opportunities for enterprises and innovators to enter new markets.

The objectives of this Forum are to provide a platform to share effective practices in the start-up and development of science and technology parks, and to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration between parks in the Asia-Pacific region.

The forum is organized by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and Hefei municipal government, in collaboration with Anhui provincial government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China. Financial support from government of China to the Forum is gratefully acknowledged.