Globalization is bringing increased competition, a challenge for both small and large countries. Finland, although a small country, is one of the most competitive countries in the world. It is known as an active partner in innovation and science park activities. Some reasons behind Finland’s innovation success are the significant investments, in national technology programmes, regional science, and technology parks. Finland’s dynamic educational system and academic sector have also been a key factor in this success.

The 23rd IASP World Conference provides a showcase for our technological know-how and innovations. It will also be an excellent example of how international co-operation can create and enhance international networking.

We are pleased to share with you our experiences of the role of science parks. They add value to companies, innovative business, produce knowledge, enhance the synergies between universities and companies, and foster entrepreneurship.

With these words, I wish the Helsinki 2006 Conference every success. I hope that you will find this conference both stimulating and inspiring.

Tarja Halonen
President of the Republic of Finland

Welcome to the 23rd IASP World Conference on Science and Technology Parks. We are pleased to host the Conference in Finland for the second time. The Conference will be held in Helsinki June 6-9 2006, when the warm Finnish summer and round-the-clock daylight will be an unforgettable experience.

The Helsinki 2006 Conference will offer a high-quality scientific program with world-class keynote speakers. The emphasis of the program is on a very important aspect of business to all of us – the customer. This theme will be covered comprehensively. We have also increased the number of interactive workshops, which are a great way to share experiences and encourage discussion among experts and other participants.

The conference is aimed primarily at people working in science parks, and those who plan to engage in science park activity, e.g. universities, research institutes, ministries, investors, communities and other public actors.

The pre-conference program plays a significant role in the national cooperation. It covers new technology development areas and the program has been developed together with all technology centers around Finland.

It gives us great pleasure to host the conference in Finland as the world’s number one innovator in mobile phones and telecommunications. The strengths of Finland are its innovation-intensive environment, its scientific and technological know-how and its world-class educational system. The country’s competitiveness has been built on a long-term national strategy that enhances know-how and innovation.

The Helsinki Metropolitan Area has a strong reputation as a centre of advanced technology. It is also the country's leading business and industrial centre, a place where many new jobs are being created, especially in the information technology sector. Helsinki Metropolitan Area is a place of contrasts in which a truly urban lifestyle blends harmoniously with the sea and surrounding nature. The distances in Helsinki are short - shopping, hotels, entertainment and sightseeing are all within walking distance. Excellent public transportation makes it easy to reach destinations further away.

This Conference will take place at Finlandia Hall, which is Helsinki’s flagship Conference Center. This cultural icon is located in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from your hotel and is equipped with state-of-the-art technical systems.

As one of the Europe’s largest technology centers, Technopolis is an experienced conference organizer. We and our partners will do our very best to ensure that the conference runs smoothly and that each and every participant feels like a key customer.

This is my personal invitation to each of you. Join us for what will be a content rich, informative and educational conference. It will be a great opportunity to meet your colleagues and friends, and to experience the charm of Helsinki and Finland!

I look forward seeing you!



Pertti Huuskonen
President and CEO
Technopolis Plc