The gathering of technology transfer centers of international organizations along with the 10th establishment anniversary ceremony of D-8 Technology Transfer and Exchange Network (D-8 TTEN) was held on October 4th, 2023 in Pardis Technology Park. Representatives of international and regional organizations including Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, Mustafa Science and Technology Foundation, Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), etc. were among the participants of this event.
During the anniversary event, Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, the Secretary General of the D-8 organization, made an official announcement regarding the establishment of an international specialized investment fund in the field of technology within the D-8 member countries. He also expressed his appreciation for the excellent hosting provided by Pardis Technology Park for the D-8 TTEN. Furthermore, he highlighted that the creation of a joint technology fund would be one of the key initiatives undertaken during the second decade of this network.
Milad Sadrkhanlou, the President of D-8 TTEN, explained the past activities of the network in this event and said: “5 Technology Investment Meetings, 3 Technology Transfer Awards, 4 Business and Technology Meetings, and 7 High Council Meetings, among other programs have been held by this network in the past 10 years.” He further stated that an additional objective of this network is to enhance its operations by extending its reach and encouraging greater participation from other Muslim nations in its meetings and programs.
Sadrkhanlou announced the technology transfer award in Turkey and the technology investment meeting in Malaysia as the future plans of this network and invited all the attendees to participate in these meetings.
In another part of this event, a panel was held with the participation of Mr. Ahmar Ismail, Dr. Rasoul Rajaei, Dr. Huseyin Avni Bicakli, and Ms. Zelda Vrolick, representatives of the D-8 organization, D-8 TTEN, ECO and IORA, respectively, and issues such as the challenges of international organizations in the field of technology transfer as well as their cooperation mechanisms were discussed.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed between D-8 Technology Transfer and Exchange Network and IORA Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT) by Dr. Sadrkhanlou and Dr. Sanjabi as President of D-8 TTEN and Director of RCSTT, respectively.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the individuals affiliated with this network, specifically Mr. Ali Mohammad Mousavi, Mr. Dato Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, Mr. Majid Bizmark, Mr. Ahmadreza Alaei, and Mr. Akbar Ghanbarpour, were duly acknowledged for their contributions. As a commemorative gesture, a tree was ceremoniously planted within the confines of Pardis Technology Park to symbolize the network's unwavering dedication towards expansion, growth and collaboration.