Experts highlight importance of science, technology incubators
BYLINE: Hana Namrouqa, Jordan Times, Amman
Oct. 31--AMMAN -- Education and technology experts on Tuesday highlighted the need to create science and technology incubators at local universities, one of the main themes emphasised during the Jordanian Science Week which opened on Sunday.
Science and technology incubators are used to train students in advanced technologies and enable them to excel at their field of study, Higher Council for Science and Technology Secretary General Walid Turk pointed out.
"Such incubators in developed countries came up with techniques which proved successful in generating knowledge, linking science institutions directly to industry and establishing businesses based on technology," he said.
"This event hosts pioneering speakers from developed countries with the aim of boosting networking with developed and Arab countries, while at the same time benefiting from their experiences," Turk added.
The science week's activities for this year are being held on the El Hassan Science City campus, in an attempt to promote the city.
During a press conference held on the sidelines of the 13th Jordanian Science Week yesterday, HRH Princess Sumaya, the president of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS), told the press that experts are currently drawing up plans to bring El Hassan Science City into the limelight, to place it among the most distinguished science institutions.
Princess Sumaya added that the city seeks to attract local and foreign funds for investing in projects based on advanced technologies and research to help enhance entrepreneurship and support creativity whether in individuals or companies.
El Hassan Science City campus hosts the Higher Council for Science and Technology, the RSS and the Princess Sumaya University for Technology.
Held under the motto "Science and technology incubators -- building knowledge economy", this year's science week is focusing on three major themes.
They include science and technology incubators, entrepreneurship based on research and development and the potential environment of entrepreneurship concerning the financial, technical and legislative aspects.
Meanwhile, Director of the Queen Rania Centre for Entrepreneurship Basel Kilani said the centre will hold a two-day conference on commercialisation of intellectual property under the patronage of Princess Sumaya.
"The conference seeks to introduce ways of commercialising intellectual property and making the science and research community locally and regionally more aware on the importance of appreciating intellectual property," Kilani said.
Local and international experts in the field will take part at the conference.
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