With the emergence of smart cities around the world, there is an increase in the establishment of Software Technology Parks. A smart city uses information and communication technology to improve operational efficiency and optimizes city functions while promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life of the citizens. The partnership between the public and private sectors is directly proportional to the success of a smart city. Software Technology Parks are facilities made up of resources and infrastructure that serve as business incubators for new and existing software and technology businesses. The goal of Software Technology Parks is to create an environment where innovative enterprises can grow and thrive.
Graana.com brings you a few benefits of Software Technology Parks :
Connectivity
STPs can play an important role in establishing and managing infrastructural resources such as integrated infrastructure, including international connectivity, data centres, and incubators for export-oriented units. Large outdoor spaces are available at Software Technology Parks, increasing connectivity and facilitating business growth and expansion. These parks have quite enough office space, well-equipped laboratories, sufficient storage and warehousing facilities, as well as high-quality conference rooms and meeting centres.
Link between Academia and Industry
There is a lot of untapped potential in the youth of Pakistan that needs the right platform, resources and mentoring. Software Technology Parks serve as a bridge between academia and industry. Software Technology Parks provide access to a wide range of educational and training resources. Mentoring and direct exposure from experienced professionals help startups manoeuvre their way towards the global market.
Mentoring and Training
They can help entrepreneurs and startups to organize workshops, seminars, learning sessions, boot camps and conferences that can equip them to undertake other export promotional activities. Training and mentoring at STPs can facilitate specialized training in the niche areas to meet the individual needs of startups and businesses.
Investment Opportunities
It provides a platform for entrepreneurs and businesses to work jointly with venture capitalists for providing financial assistance. New upcoming entrepreneurs will have complete access to a wide range of services and chances to start their businesses without having to invest a large sum of money.
Employment Opportunities
STPs facilitate the creation of a great number of jobs. It brings fresh talent to the market and provides great employment opportunities to IT individuals with immense knowledge. Not only it creates jobs, but trains them and equips them with skills to thrive in the changing global market. Software Technology Parks yield fruitful results using the already existing talent in the country and are dedicated to the development and export of computer software and professional services. They provide both single window service and high data communication facilities to software professionals.
Maintaining quality
STPs can ensure quality according to global standards. The exporters from developing countries like Pakistan often feel added pressure to conform to international standards if they want to reach out to the global audience. Identifying global market standards and preferences can help create the right product. STPs can ensure that the export quality is meeting the requirements of the particular niche in the global market. The quality standardization will lead to cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction and better access to new markets.
Growth in exports
STPs can significantly contribute to generating revenue and lead to exponential growth in software exports. It forms an inclusive space where the exchange of disruptive ideas can take place and yield fruitful results leading to the exponential growth of exports. This can result in boosting the overall economy of the country.
Today, in an era where tech is taking over the world like never before and technologies are rapidly evolving every day, the establishment of STPs is a significant step. More and more software technology parks should be established across the country to mitigate the IT sector’s infrastructure shortage by facilitating technology transfer through industry-academia collaboration and supporting technology commercialization. The establishment of connecting education and production will ensure industry competitiveness. In a nutshell, STPs are the hub of research and development and can take the IT industry to great heights.
