Second generation science parks: from structural holes jockeys to social capital catalysts of the knowledge society

Abstract

Several recent studies have concluded that science parks tend to fail in attracting and developing high-tech companies and have therefore not fulfilled their expected role as catalysts of regional economic growth. Based on two in-depth case studies of science parks in Denmark and the UK, this paper introduces and discusses alternative mediating roles for science parks in the science–industry relationship. The conclusion is that the new role of science parks may be to cater for the development of the social capital necessary for enabling and facilitating entrepreneurship in networks.