Science Parks from a University Perspective

Abstract

In the context of the changing role of universities and the increasing emphasis on their function in the regional economy, the author assesses the establishment and development of the UK's science parks from the universities' perspective. Identifying the science park as a key instrument for the successful engagement of a university with its local community, he looks at the impact of parks on the processes of invention, innovation, technology transfer, commercialization and enterprise. He then outlines the three strategies available to a university for involvement in science park development – from high to low cost and high to low control. Finally, the author considers the influences on successful park development of the social, business and technological environments. He concludes that the mission of universities, together with their changing role, requires them to be the cohesive force in the learning region. The science park is a means of turning this concept into reality.