Science Park Management Research Articles

Defining Indicators for Performance Evaluation in Science and Technology Parks

Performance evaluation is highly relevant given the importance of science and technology parks for developing and disseminating knowledge and innovation. In this sense, this study sought to validate indicators for evaluating the performance of science and technology parks in the Brazilian context. To achieve the proposed objective, 213 indicators were selected, divided into 10 assessment areas, and validated by 15 experts in the field. Our findings revealed that, from the total number of indicators selected, 136 were validated, drawing attention to the parks' relational area, which had the most indicators, both in the literature analyzed and in the validation process. Hence, this study provides theoretical and practical contributions that, through empirical data, can help evaluate performance and develop the management of science and technology parks since applying validated indicators can generate pertinent information, help articulate strategies, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

Science parks as key players in entrepreneurial ecosystems

This study explores the crucial role of modern science parks in the creation, development, and management of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Thus, it has developed a conceptual framework for analysing the role that science parks could have in developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem. We interviewed several stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem oriented towards sustainable production. The study design comprises three levels of analysis: 27 nodes, 7 themes, and 3 aggregate dimensions. While a science park can play a key role in creating, developing, and managing an entrepreneurial ecosystem, we find that its success largely depends on the level of cooperation among the key stakeholders. This study provides new insights into (i) how we can better comprehend the emergence of linkages to develop entrepreneurial ecosystems and (ii) how science park managers and regional policymakers can better examine the role of key stakeholders in envisioning, configuring, and enabling regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. When studying science parks, it is important to use a holistic approach, focusing on the key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem – science parks and their stakeholders – and knowing how and when to intervene.

Barriers to innovation and innovation performance: the mediating role of external knowledge search in emerging economies

Using survey data from companies located in the Wuxi (Taihu) international science park in China, we aim to analyze to what extent science park residents experience barriers to innovation and to what extent opening up the innovation process allows them to overcome constraints and increase innovation performance. Findings indicate that surveyed firms that mostly undertake incremental innovation perceive many constraints and that the depth of external knowledge search—that is, the intensity of the relationship with external sources of knowledge—significantly influences innovation performance, mediating the relationships between innovation barriers and innovation performance. Our results allow us to explain how open innovation practices can be used to mitigate existing barriers, and therefore permeate the knowledge filter, and to theorize on the importance of institutional factors for open innovation theory in emerging economies.Plain English summary It is quality not quantity that matters! The intensity of relationships with external knowledge sources helps to mitigate innovation constraints, facilitate the flow of knowledge, and enhance innovation performance in emerging market firms. We surveyed high-tech SMEs located in the Wuxi (Taihu) international science park in China to find out to what extent external firm barriers to innovation have an impact on the innovation performance of science park residents, and how open innovation strategies affect this relationship. There are three key implications: First, for research, institutional factors need to be considered when studying open innovation, particularly in an emerging country context. Results emphasize the importance of deeper external knowledge sources as one mechanism to mitigate institutional barriers. Second, for management, we show human resource constraints are an important barrier for SMEs and managers should stimulate learning through reward systems and training that increase absorptive and innovative capacity ability. Third, for policy, we show that local officials responsible for the management of science parks in China should put more effort into providing financial support by creating specialized venture capital and a better knowledge of risk analysis from the financial system.

Management of science and technology parks in terms of innovative aspects

Management of science and technology parks in terms of innovative aspects

Science and Technology Park Management Implanted in the Missions Region (RS), a regional vision of scientific and technological development.

Innovation and technology, which are part of the debate in the knowledge society, are linked to the creation of a prosperous environment that benefits them, the result of multiple and coordinated action of three factors: government, productive structure and technological and scientific infrastructure. The investigation starts from the following question: What is the best methodology for managing the structures known as Science and Technology Parks? The objective of the research is to develop a management model for the Scientific and Technological Park of the Missions Region in order to optimize its economic and financial self-sufficiency so that it does not depend exclusively on resources from the University or from public notices. In methodological terms, the research is a qualitative one, of an applied nature since its results will be used in practice to solve a specific problem. As preliminary results, a self-sustainable management model for the Scientific and Technological Park of the Missions is presented, considering its specificities and peculiarities. This model was developed from the investigation of the main methodologies used in PCTs in different regions of the world and in Brazil, with the purpose of indicating the most appropriate strategies for the implantation of PCTs in a farming region, as well as, identifying the regional base actors technology to understand the operation of the Triple Helix.

Perceptual measures of science parks: Tenant firms’ associations between science park attributes and benefits

Science parks as knowledge-intensive area developments aim to enhance networking, and innovative and economic performances of firms and regions. This paper seeks to explore the perceived benefits (i.e. types of performance indicators) that science park firms associate with specific science park attributes. Association data between twenty science park attributes with twelve benefits is collected through an online interview involving 51 firms on science parks in the Netherlands. Results show that both proximity and managerial attributes are associated with economic, innovation and networking benefits. Real estate attributes, on the other hand, are mainly linked to economic benefits. The role of science park management and their activities is acknowledged by tenants as important. They perceive it as beneficial for developing ties with other firms, while they are perceived to fulfil only an indirect role in enhancing innovation. The reasoning of science park firms provides academics, practitioners and policy-makers with valuable insight in what benefits firms might seek and which attributes are considered essential to acquire these perceived benefits.

Science Parks and talent attraction management: university students as a strategic resource for innovation and entrepreneurship

ABSTRACT This paper aims to expand our understanding of talent attraction management in Science Parks with a specific interest in university students/alumni as a human and strategic resource. The underlying rationale is how the links with universities can be supported and how the Science Park management can contribute to successful relationships with universities and university students/alumni, in order to develop tenant firms and the park itself. A questionnaire was sent out in 2018–120 parks. This study includes 25 variables, and four significant regression models are presented. The main finding is that Science Park talent attraction activities act as a mediating variable, which affects the informal and formal partnerships between students and firms/universities as well as how the park management can contribute to successful relationships. By attracting students, tenant firms can have a positive impact on their performance as well as Science Park development.

A BALANCED SCORECARD MODEL PROPOSAL FOR SCIENCE PARKS

Science parks have spread throughout the world as mechanisms to promote innovation, technology transfer, knowledge exchange, generation of skilled employment and socioeconomic development. Nevertheless, a current challenge for a venture is the development of more detailed performance management system, representing the major stakeholders, demonstrating results and indicating opportunities for improvement. To contribute to fulfilling this gap, this work proposes a model for performance management of science parks, using the management tool Balanced Scorecard (BSC) as a reference. In drawing up this model, a multiple case study was designed in three Brazilian science parks in operation. The justification for the development of this model is the need for the creation and improvement of a management tool that is a reference for science parks’ managers and stakeholders. Thereby, it is expected that the model helps managers understand the strategic goals and performance indicators common to these ventures. The research contributions by extending known solutions to new problems and the results could be applied in several science parks.

Perceived benefits of science park attributes among park tenants in the Netherlands

Science parks as area developments have existed for decades and captivated the attention of academia and policy-makers for their potential impact on firms and regions. Only limited attention is given to the needs of science park firms regarding what science parks offer. Therefore, this study focused on science park facilities and services and how firms perceive the benefits associated with these attributes. An online survey distributed among tenants on seven science parks in the Netherlands yielded 103 respondents. An a priori list of science park attributes was presented in order to gain insight in how the respondents associated these facilities and services with potential benefits. The benefits considered were derived from proximity and innovation literature within the science park context. In general, science park attributes were associated with either proximity benefits or benefits related to the SP real estate. Based on a cluster analysis of organisational characteristics three tenant types were identified. The three tenant types sought different benefits through different attributes. Commercially-orientated firms associated science park attributes as ways for being near customers. Mature science-based firms associated attributes with a wider range of benefits, such as image benefits, being near customers and other firms. Young technology-based firms were more cost-driven and focused on image benefits. The associations between various types of facilities and the benefits that tenant types seek, provide insights for practitioners in terms of the design and management of science parks and add to the body of knowledge of science parks within the context of innovation management.

Towards a segmentation of science parks: A typology study on science parks in Europe

Although science parks are established globally for decades as an innovation policy instrument to foster growth and networking, there is limited attention given towards research into possible types within these real estate objects. Prior attempts in categorising science parks are characterised by the limited number of cases and/or variables. Science parks are believed to enhance innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic value for firms and regions. Past academic research showed mixed results on these performances and it is reasoned that distinct types within science parks exist that might explain these unclear results. We argue that before we can grasp what science parks can do, we should know what they are. Therefore, a survey on science park characteristics was completed by 82 science park managers in Europe. A cluster analysis was conducted which grouped the 82 participating science parks in three types; ‘research’, ‘cooperative’, and ‘incubator’ locations. Next, differences and similarities of these three types within science parks in Europe were analysed as a basis for advancing the academic debate. The types provide further understanding of science parks and offer researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers a means to compare, market, and benchmark science parks more adequately.

The Expectations of Businesses Settled in a Science Park

Science parks are created to support the development and growth of knowledge-based businesses and to foster the economic development of a region. Based on an exploratory qualitative study, this research project aims, firstly, to understand the expectations of businesses established in science parks, which is not very well documented in the literature and, secondly, to highlight the motivations of a business to settle in a science park. In order to do so, the research is based on a constructivist approach. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted between September 2016 and April 2017 with managers of organizations established in seven science parks in the province of Quebec, Canada. The analysis these interviews identified six major motivations of businesses to settle in a science park. It also revealed eleven major expectations of the science park's contributions for a business established. As a contribution, this research provides some recommendations not only for the managers of science parks, but also for the managers of businesses who want to be established in a science park. This research provides insights for science park managers about the incentives to set up to attract new business and about the support to provide for the business established in a science park in their development.

Science and technology park management models

The article presents four models of science and technology park management, built on the basis of the results of the analysis of 15 selected parks in the world. It discusses the basic functions of the park, advantages and disadvantages of each of the models, indicating also the possibilities of their further development. It has also been related to the Polish conditions, which proved that two models are most suitable for Poland: corporate and network. The corporate model, based on an active cooperation of a technical university with public and private entities, in the opinion of the Authors, is the most appropriate to be applied in the case of science and technology parks created near technical universities. An alternative solution to the corporate one is a network model, allowing for creation of sci-ence and technology parks with scattered spatial structure.

Social value of an innovation ecosystem: the case of Leiden Bioscience Park, The Netherlands

Purpose Science parks are business clusters situated in a particular geographical location, originally conceptualized by local universities, local government and businesses. In recent times, science park stakeholders and tenants are starting to pursue social value and even how to manage. This study aims to clarify the understanding of social value in an innovation ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach This study combines existing literature studies and concepts, observations in a real-life innovation ecosystem – a Bioscience Park – and interviews of key personnel managing the science park. Findings Science Park Social Value (SPSV) is a value resulting from interaction among groups and not just the pursuit of a single firm-level goal. SPSV emanates from the firms within the science park in reaction to the demands of the actors or entities within and outside the innovation ecosystem of the science park: internal operations, external stakeholders and infexternal or broader societal impact. In addition to this, the author has conceptualized a framework for social value of an innovation ecosystem, which will require further research. Research limitations/implications This paper creates a link between concepts about social value, innovation ecosystem (e.g. science park) and stakeholder theory. Practical implications SPSV will be useful for science park orchestrators or managers to manage expectations of social and non-social actors. Social implications Social value of a science park will bring a new light on the stigma that science parks are only money-making ventures and are not in touch with social issues. Originality value This study theorized and researched previously unrelated concepts.

SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL BASES OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARKS

Ponte Academic JournalFeb 2016, Volume 72, Issue 2 SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL BASES OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARKSAuthor(s): Anna MaltsevaJ. Ponte - Feb 2016 - Volume 72 - Issue 2 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2016.2.9 Abstract:The paper presents the author's view on the issue of intellectual capital management of science and technology parks which are ones of the most important resources that enhance performance as the structure as a whole and its individual members. In the heart of the proposed system of intellectual capital management is the stakeholder approach and the criterion of growth of total cost of science and technology park at the micro level based on maximizing its stakeholders values. In the paper the comprehensive model of intellectual capital management of science and technology park divided by levels of governance in accordance with the concept of business ecosystem is given. The scientific and methodological basis of intellectual capital management presented in the paper can be put into practice of strategic and tactical management of science and technology park. For these purposes different conceptual approaches can be used. The most reasonable of them is the functional approach based on social and humanitarian design. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

A Framework for the Strategic Management of Science & Technology Parks

Science and technology parks (STPs) have been playing an increasingly influential role in the stimulation and growth of the knowledge economy. However, the spread of STPs faces relevant challenges, such as the development of robust performance management systems, able to demonstrate results and indicate improvement opportunities. Thereby, this paper proposes a theoretical model of performance management, which combines premises of the Service-Dominant Logic (S-D Logic), the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and the General Hierarchical Model (GHM). Based on a multiple-case exploratory and qualitative study, relevant information about the strategic planning and management of these projects were extracted and paved the way for the construction of a performance hierarchical model composed of five perspectives, according to the BSC. Considering the outcomes, it is expected that the proposed model provide useful insights for the consolidation of a framework for the strategic management of science and technology parks.

The role of the science park in innovation performance of start-up firms: an empirical analysis of Tsinghua Science Park in Beijing

This study empirically analyses the determinants of start-up firms in the Tsinghua Science Park in Beijing using survey data. More than 50% of firms are software and Internet related with CEOs has a strong technological background. It is found that firms that have their internal innovations grounded in their own competitive advantage show better innovation performance, while formal research and development collaboration with Tsinghua University plays only a marginal role. However, they benefit from informal connections with faculty members and access to students. Human resource management services by the Science Park management company are highly appreciated by tenant businesses. Finally, networking activities among tenants are found to be weak.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Management of Science Parks: design of a tool based on the analysis of resident companies

The correct management of science parks is strategic for universities, as well as a synergistic effect for companies therein installed. Park managers have to decide, among other things, whether they create new academic spin-offs, invest in technology-based companies, or consolidate start-ups already installed in the park once incubation period is complete. These decisions have a direct impact on the university’s financial capacity. The quality of decisions taken, as well as their associated risk, will depend on the tools available to park managers. Nevertheless, each park has specific characteristics and situations. Hence, managers need to have tools that adapt to the reality of the park, and which, therefore, contemplate: (1) entrepreneurs' profiles; (2) the nature and behavior of the companies installed in the park; as well as (3), the interrelationships which take place between the different players that make up the park. To have information about the current situation of companies in the park will make the decision-making processes easier for managers. Based on these ideas, this paper seeks to design and test a management tool for science parks. In its design, the tool will consider the previously mentioned criteria. Thus, from the observation and analysis of the companies installed in the park, we seek to identify the factors that affect their growth. Meanwhile, the suitability of the tool was tested at the Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Research Park. The analysis of a sample of companies in the park revealed the influence that age, size and type of company financing and the profile of entrepreneurs and their propensity to grow have on the business growth of the companies at the AUB Park. Likewise, we also highlight the usefulness that the tool offers to park managers, as well as its simplicity, flexibility and adaptability for use within the framework of any Science Park model.

A model for the design and development of a Science and Technology Park in developing countries

This paper presents an appropriate model for Science and Technology Parks (STPs) with a view to helping policy makers and STP managers implement and manage STPs. The authors reorganise and prioritise the Cabral-Dahab Science Park Management Paradigm. We identify three critical groups of actors (determinants, reactors and executors) and develop four sub-models from different trajectories of the groups of actors. We place more emphasis on the 'determinants' as the most important actors in the establishment and management of STP. A critical evaluation of the sub-models reveals that the sub-model in which government, industry and university/research institutes are all jointly involved in decisive policy direction is the most appropriate for the developing country. This paper concludes that economies in transition should see STPs as having a distinctive organisational structure as a result of its myriads of collaborations and partnerships.

Related and supporting industries: the macro dimension of science park management

Through the late 20th century, an increasing number of science parks have been established to promote science and technology and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship for more economic returns. While science park managers are making efforts for such a mission, it is difficult to imagine that a science park itself can achieve it within a short period of time; neither is it practical to request a park management team to do so without support from their society. Through interviewing management executives of four parks in the Asia Pacific, the current study identifies those segments of an economy where a park can support, cooperate and get assistance. This should widen the managerial vision of a science park, and demonstrate a dynamic method of science park management.

Optimising intellectual capital development: a case study of brokering in a science park

Recent research trends have focused on the value of intellectual capital and deployment of networks. This study positions science parks as a network structure that enables the study of individual components of intellectual capital and suggests how these components can be leveraged through the network, with implications for science parks and also for wider intellectual capital optimisation. It identifies the key sources of intellectual capital and where they are located through the case study of Innovation Waikato, a science park located in New Zealand. In particular it makes an argument for the important role of science park management and staff, who adopt the intermediary role between tenant and recipient firms, to assist in optimising the overall intellectual capital flow in this setting.