January 21, 2002

‘13’

    India is to set up two Science And Technology Entrepreneur Parks (STEPs) in Egypt. An agreement on this has been signed between the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), a premier technology transfer government enterprise and the National Telecommunication Institute of Egypt. A delegation from the NRDC will soon visit Egypt to workout the modalities of implementing the project.

    The agreement was initialed last week by the Managing Director of the Social Fund for Development, Egypt Dr. Hussein EL Gammal and the Managing Director of NRDC Shri N.K. Sharma in the presence of the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Youssef B. Ghally.

    STEP provides a reorientation in approach to innovation and entrepeneurship involving education, training, research, finance, management and government. It creates a conducive climate for innovation, sharing of ideas, experience and facilities and opens up avenues for students, teachers, researchers and industrial managers for starting a successful economic venture. Each STEP operates in the identified thrust area based on the expertise, facilities for the institution and the industrial milieu of the region. Facilities available with the STEPs include Nursery Sheds, Testing and Calibration, training, precision tool room, prototype development, technology transfer, computing, library and documentation, facilitation towards ISO 9000 certification etc.

    A central facility has been established at the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology, New Delhi with which STEPs are being linked. This facility, contains databases on various products, technologies and other relevant information useful for the entrepreneurs.