Higher education is the main driver in a knowledge-based economy and universities play a major role in creating a skilled labour force capable of using effective modern communication technologies and results from research.
Minister of Education and Sports Ms Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun highlighted the importance of universities in her opening remarks at the first UK-ASEAN Innovation Conference, held in Vientiane from October 25-26.
The conference also marked the 20th anniversary of the National University of Laos and the 50th anniversary of Aston University in the United Kingdom.
Ms Sengdeuane, who chaired the meeting, said the conference would not only offer many opportunities to establish new collaboration and initiatives in higher education, but would also widen and deepen the academic ties and cooperation between universities in ASEAN member states, the UK and other countries.
These areas are interlinked with educational practices. If we take a look at the conference programme, we will agree that this conference is going to be busy and productive, she said.
The gathering brought together academic scientists, researchers, scholars, innovators and policy makers from across ASEAN, Republic of Korea, the US, UK, Australia and the EU, to exchange and share their knowledge, experiences and research results regarding all aspects of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The conference focused on research issues, new developments, and practical challenges encountered and the solutions adopted in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as emerging issues of this field in the ASEAN region.
The forum created a platform for policy makers, administrators, scholars, and researchers to present research findings and share expertise and experiences in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship, research and development, technology management and intellectual property.
Acting President of the National University of Laos Prof. Dr Somsy Nhophanxay said the meeting would help to forge strong academic ties and cooperation and deepen mutual understanding among academia, scholars, researchers, partners and parties in the fields of innovation.
I am positive and certain that more research findings as well as issues and challenges in our research cooperation in the area of innovation shared and presented by the presenters and representatives will be analysed and discussed, he said.
Attendees heard the latest research on how best to develop and commercialise opportunities and diffuse innovation in a rapidly developing market environment.
The conference also explored new linkages between innovation and regional and national economic development, the institutional, political and economic conditions for driving national innovation as well as strategies for innovation at the micro level.
Source: Vientiane Times
