Abstract
As part of the third mission of universities to promote innovation and economic development, the popularity of science and technology parks (STPs) as a policy tool is increasing. The co-location of innovative companies and universities should be conducive to knowledge exchange between universities and industry, thus leading to more innovation. However, STPs have evolved in different contexts and to serve different purposes. Furthermore, the research on them has evolved mainly through case studies of individual parks and it is scattered across different disciplinary conversations. Building on 1,711 articles published from 1985 onwards, this study presents a systematic literature review of research on STPs and their relationships with universities. We find three different phases in the evolution of this literature: a formation phase (before 2000), where the focus was on the creation of STPs; a geographical expansion phase (2000–2010) reflecting the geographical expansion of STPs to East Asia and other emerging economies, with heavy focus on high-technology firms mainly in ICT; and a topical expansion phase (2011 onwards) when the literature expands to cover a diversity of new topics, including open innovation and sustainability, reflecting broader changes in the understanding of innovation.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aghaei Chadegani, A., Salehi, H., Md Yunus, M., Farhadi, H., Foolady, M., Farhadi, M., & Ale Ebrahim, N. (2013). A comparison between two main academic literature collections: Web of Science and Scopus. Asian Social Science, 9(5), 18–26. https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v9n5p18
Albahari, A., Pérez-Canto, S., Barge-Gil, A., & Modrego, A. (2017). Technology parks versus science parks: Does the university make the difference? Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 116, 13-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2016.11.012
Amoroso, S., Link, A. N., & Wright, M. (Eds.). (2019). Science and Technology Parks and Regional Economic Development: An International Perspective. Palgrave Macmillan
Awang, A. H., Hussain, M. Y., & Malek, J. A. (2013). Knowledge transfer and the role of local absorptive capability at science and technology parks. Learning Organization, 20(4–5), 291–307. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-12-2011-0059
Baark, E., & So, A. Y. (2006). The political economy of Hong Kong’s quest for high technology innovation. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 36(1), 102–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/00472330680000061
Bakouros, Y. L., Mardas, D. C., & Varsakelis, N. C. (2002). Science park, a high tech fantasy?: An analysis of the science parks of Greece. Technovation, 22(2), 123–128.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-4972(00)00087-0
Barbera, F., & Fassero, S. (2013). The place-based nature of technological innovation: The case of Sophia Antipolis. Journal of Technology Transfer, 38(3), 216–234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-011-9242-7
Barra, C., & Zotti, R. (2018). The contribution of university, private and public sector resources to italian regional innovation system (in)efficiency. Journal of Technology Transfer, 43(2), 432–457.
Bellini, N., Teräs, J., & Ylinenpää, H. (2012). Science and technology barks in the age of open innovation. The finnish case. Symphonya Emerging Issues in Management, 1, 25–44. https://doi.org/10.4468/2012.1.03bellini.teras.ylinenpaa
Berbegal-Mirabent, J., Sabaté, F., & Cañabate, A. (2012). Brokering knowledge from universities to the marketplace:Tthe role of knowledge transfer offices. Management Decision, 50(7), 1285–1307. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251741211247012
Bishop, K., D’Este, P., & Neely, A. (2011). Gaining from interactions with universities: Multiple methods for nurturing absorptive capacity. Research Policy, 40(1), 30–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2010.09.009
Cabral, R. (1998). From university-industry interfaces to the making of a science park: Florianopolis, Southern Brazil. International Journal of Technology Management, 16(8), 778–799. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTM.1998.094052
Cabral, R., & Dahab, S. S. (1998). Science parks in develo** countries: The case of BIORIO in Brazil. International Journal of Technology Management, 16(8), 726–739. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTM.1998.002693
Cadorin, E., Johansson, S. G., & Klofsten, M. (2017). Future developments for science parks: Attracting and develo** talent. Industry and Higher Education, 31(3), 156–167. https://doi.org/10.1177/0950422217700995
Colombo, M. G., & Delmastro, M. (2002). How effective are technology incubators? Evidence from Italy. Research Policy, 31(7), 1103–1122. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0048-7333(01)00178-0
Cumming, D., & Johan, S. (2013). Technology parks and entrepreneurial outcomes around the world. International Journal of Managerial Finance, 9(4), 279–293.https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMF-02-2013-0018
D’Arcy, É., & Guissani, B. (1996). Local economic development: Changing the parameters? Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, 8(2), 159–178. https://doi.org/10.1080/08985629600000010
Da Silva-Etges, A. P. B., & Nogueira-Cortimiglia, M. (2019). A systematic review of risk management in innovation-oriented firms. Journal of Risk Research, 22(3), 364–381. https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2017.1382558
Denyer, D., & Tranfield, D. (2009). The SAGE handbook of Organizational Research Methods. SAGE Publications Ltd.
Díez-Vial, I., & Fernández-Olmos, M. (2015). Knowledge spillovers in science and technology parks: How can firms benefit most? Journal of Technology Transfer, 40(1), 70–84. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-013-9329-4
Díez-Vial, I., & Montoro-Sánchez, Á. (2016). How knowledge links with universities may foster innovation: The case of a science park. Technovation, 50–51, 41–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2015.09.001
Dobrosavljević, A., & Živković, Ž. (2018). Potential impact of the science - technology park on the regional development. Serbian Journal of Management, 13(2), 215–232. https://doi.org/10.5937/sjm13-15263
Eveleens, C., van Rijnsoever, F., & Niesten, E. (2017). How network-based incubation helps start-up performance: A systematic review against the background of management. Journal of Technology Transfer, 42(3), 676–713. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-016-9510-7
Ferri, S., Fiorentino, R., Parmentola, A., & Sapio, A. (2019). Patenting or not? The dilemma of academic spin-off founders. Business Process Management Journal, 25(1), 84–103. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-06-2017-0163
Gilsing, V. A., van Burg, E., & Romme, A. G. L. (2010). Policy principles for the creation and success of corporate and academic spin-offs. Technovation, 30(1), 12–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2009.07.004
Gunasekara, C. (2005). Reframing the role of universities in the development of Regional Innovation Systems. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 31(1), 101–113.https://doi.org/10.1007/S10961-005-5016-4
Hassink, R., & Hu, X. (2012). From specialisation to diversification in Science and Technology Parks. World Technopolis Review, 1(1), 6–15. https://doi.org/10.7165/wtr2012.1.1.6
Helmers, C. (2019). Choose the neighbor before the house: Agglomeration externalities in a UK Science Park. Journal of Economic Geography, 19(1), 31–35. https://doi.org/10.1093/jeg/lbx042
Hobbs, K. G., Link, A. N., & Scott, J. T. (2017). Science and technology parks: An annotated and analytical literature review. Journal of Technology Transfer, 42(4), 957–976. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-016-9522-3
Hu, T. S., Lin, C. Y., & Chang, S. L. (2005). Technology-based regional development strategies and the emergence of technological communities: A case study of HSIP, Taiwan. Technovation, 25(4), 367–380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2003.09.002
Hussler, C., Picard, F., & Tang, M. F. (2010). Taking the ivory from the tower to coat the economic world: Regional strategies to make science useful. Technovation, 30(9–10), 508–518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2010.06.003
Kee, M. (1983). Cambridge science park: Sowing a seed. Nature, 302, 647. https://doi.org/10.1038/302647b0
Kim, H., Lee, Y. S., & Hwang, H. R. (2014). Regionalization of planned S&T parks: The case of Daedeok S&T park in Daejeon, South Korea. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, 32(5), 843–862. https://doi.org/10.1068/c1269r
Kitcharoen, K. (2004). The importance-performance analysis of service quality in administrative departments of private universities in Thailand. ABAC Journal, 24(3), 20–46.
Koh, F. C. C., Koh, W. T. H., & Tschang, F. T. (2005). An analytical framework for science parks and technology districts with an application to Singapore. Journal of Business Venturing, 20(2), 217–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2003.12.002
Laguna, N. E., & Durán-Romero, G. (2017). Science parks approaches to address sustainability: A qualitative case study of the science parks in Spain. International Journal of Social Ecology and Sustainable Development, 8(3), 38–55. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJSESD.2017070103
Lai, H. C., & Shyu, J. Z. (2005). A comparison of innovation capacity at science parks across the Taiwan Strait: The case of Zhangjiang High-Tech Park and Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park. Technovation, 25(7), 805–813. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2003.11.004
Lecluyse, L., Knockaert, M., & Spithoven, A. (2019). The contribution of science parks: A literature review and future research agenda. Journal of Technology Transfer, 44, 559–595. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-018-09712-x
Lee, S. J., Lin, G. T. R., & Hsi, P. H. (2017). Industrial cluster development and its contribution to economic growth in Taiwan - Hsinchu Science and Industrial Park (HSIP). Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research, 76, 273–278.
Lee, W. H., & Yang, W. T. (2000). The cradle of Taiwan high technology industry development - Hsinchu Science Park (HSP). Technovation, 20(1), 55–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-4972(99)00085-1
Liberati, D., Marinucci, M., & Tanzi, G. M. (2016). Science and technology parks in Italy: Main features and analysis of their effects on the firms hosted. Journal of Technology Transfer, 41, 694–729. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-015-9397-8
Lin, E., Bingyan, X., Mei**, Y., & Wenzhen, X. (2003). Chinese with an american education and Taiwan’s scientific and technological development. Chinese Studies in History, 36(3), 22–37. https://doi.org/10.2753/CSH0009-4633360322
Lindelöf, P., & Löfsten, H. (2003). Science park location and new technology-based firms in Sweden - implications for strategy and performance. Small Business Economics, 20, 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022861823493
Lindelöf, P., & Löfsten, H. (2004). Proximity as a resource base for competitive advantage: University-industry links for technology transfer. Journal of Technology Transfer, 29, 311–326. https://doi.org/10.1023/b:jott.0000034125.29979.ae
Link, A. N. (2019). University science and technology parks: a US perspective. In Amoroso, S., Link, A., & Wright, M. (Eds.), Science and Technology Parks and Regional Economic Development (pp. 25–38). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30963-3_3
Link, A. N., & Scott, J. T. (2015). Research, science, and technology parks. In Link, A. N., Siegel, D. S., & Wright, M. (Eds.), The Chicago Handbook of University Technology Transfer and Academic Entrepreneurship (pp. 168-187). The University Chicago Press
Löfsten, H., & Lindelöf, P. (2002). Science parks and the growth of new technology-based firms - academic-industry links, innovation and markets. Research Policy, 31(6), 859–876. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-7333(01)00153-6
Louw, A. H., & Moloi, K. C. (2013). Teaching-research-innovation nexus: Towards an entrepreneurial university of technology. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 4(13), 63–72. https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p63
Ma, B. Q. (1998). A project for the 21st century in China: Kwanghua Science Park. International Journal of Technology Management, 16(8), 808–812. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTM.1998.002698
Macdonald, S., & Deng, Y. (2004). Science parks in China: A cautionary exploration. International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 1(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTIP.2004.004923
Maggioni, M. A. (2002). Clustering dynamics and the location of high-tech-firms. Springer-Verlag.
Maltseva, A. (2016). Scientific approaches to the assessment of intellectual capital of technology park structures. International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 11(4), 2921–2926.
Martínez-Cañas, R. (2011). A literature review of the effect of science and technology parks on firm performance: A new model of value creation through social capital. African Journal of Business Management, 5(30), 11999–12007. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajbm11.768
Matsheke, O., & Dhurup, M. (2017). Entrepreneurial-related programmes and students’ intentions to Venture into New Business Creation: Finding synergy of constructs in a University of Technology. Science Technology and Society, 22(2), 259–283. https://doi.org/10.1177/0971721817702287
Merli, R., Preziosi, M., & Acampora, A. (2018). How do scholars approach the circular economy? A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 178, 703–722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.112
Millar, C. C. J. M., Choi, C. J., & Chu, R. T. J. (2005). The state in science, technology and innovation districts: Conceptual models for China. Technology Analysis and Strategic Management, 17(3), 367–373. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537320500211722
Molina, A., Aguirre, J. M., Breceda, M., & Cambero, C. (2011). Technology parks and knowledge-based development in Mexico: Tecnológico de Monterrey CIT2 experience. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 13(2), 199–224. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJEIM.2011.038859
Montoro-Sánchez, M., Mora-Valentínb, E. M., & Ortiz-de-Urbina-Criadob, M. (2012). Localización en parques científicos y tecnológicos y cooperación en I + D + i como factores determinantes de la innovación. Revista Europea de Direccion y Economia de la Empresa, 21(2), 182–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1019-6838(12)70005-7
Oakey, R. (2007). Clustering and the R&D management of high-technology small firms: In theory and practice. R and D Management, 37(3), 237–248. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2007.00472.x
Padilla-Meléndez, A., Aguila-Obra, D., & Lockett, N. (2013). Shifting sands: Regional perspectives on the role of social capital in supporting open innovation through knowledge transfer and exchange with small and medium-sized enterprises. International Small Business Journal, 31(3), 296–318. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242612467659
Passos, C. A. S., Cantisano-Terra, B. R. C., Furtado, A. T., Vedovello, C., & Plonski, G. A. (2004). Improving university-industry partnership - the brazilian experience through the scientific and technological development support program (PADCT III). International Journal of Technology Management, 27(5), 475–487. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTM.2004.004284
Patthirasinsiri, N., & Wiboonrat, M. (2019). Measuring intellectual capital of science park performance for newly established science parks in Thailand. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 40(1), 82–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjss.2017.10.001
Phan, P. H., Siegel, D. S., & Wright, M. (2005). Science parks and incubators: Observations, synthesis and future research. Journal of Business Venturing, 20(2), 165–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2003.12.001
Phillips, S. A. M., & Yeung, H. W. (2003). A place for R & D? The Singapore science park. Urban Studies, 40(4), 707–732. https://doi.org/10.1080/0042098032000065263
Ramírez-Alesón, M., & Fernández-Olmos, M. (2018). Unravelling the effects of Science Parks on the innovation performance of NTBFs. Journal of Technology Transfer, 43, 482–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-017-9559-y
Ratinho, T., & Henriques, E. (2010). The role of science parks and business incubators in converging countries: Evidence from Portugal. Technovation, 30(4), 278–290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2009.09.002
Romano, M., Catalfo, P., & Nicotra, M. (2014). Science parks and intellectual capital: An integrated model for intangibles’ representation, evaluation and control. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 15(4), 537–553. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-06-2014-0070
Roos, G., & Roos, J. (1997). Measuring your company’s intellectual performance. Long Range Planning, 30(3), 413–426. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0024-6301(97)00022-8
Schiavone, F., Meles, A., Verdoliva, V., & Del Giudice, M. (2014). Does location in a science park really matter for firms’ intellectual capital performance? Journal of Intellectual Capital, 15(4), 497–515. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-07-2014-0082
Schwartz, M., & Hornych, C. (2010). Cooperation patterns of incubator firms and the impact of incubator specialization: Empirical evidence from Germany. Technovation, 30(9–10), 485–495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2010.05.001
Seuring, S., & Müller, M. (2008). From a literature review to a conceptual framework for sustainable supply chain management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(15), 1699–1710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2008.04.020
Sjölundh, T., & Wahlbin, C. (2008). Entrepreneurial students: The case of students starting up companies in parallel with their studies at Jönkö** University, Sweden. Industry and Higher Education, 22(6), 441–452. https://doi.org/10.5367/000000008787225902
Squicciarini, M. (2009). Science parks: seedbeds of innovation? A duration analysis of firms’ patenting activity. Small Business Economics, 32(2), 169–190. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-007-9075-9
Stuart, R., & Abetti, P. A. (1987). Start-up ventures: Towards the prediction of initial success. Journal of Business Venturing, 2(3), 215–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/0883-9026(87)90010-3
Sun, C. (2011). Evaluating and benchmarking productive performances of six industries in Taiwan Hsin Chu Industrial Science Park. Expert Systems with Applications, 38(3), 2195–2205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2010.08.007
Taheri, M., & van Geenhuizen, M. (2019). Knowledge relationships of university spin-off firms: Contrasting dynamics in global reach. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 144, 193–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.03.013
Theeranattapong, T., Pickernell, D., & Simms, C. (2021). Systematic literature review paper: The regional innovation system-university-science park nexus. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 46(6), 2017–2050. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10961-020-09837-Y
Tonelli, D. F., Marquesini, M. A., Zambalde, A. L., & de Almeida, R. E. (2015). Implantação de Parques Tecnológicos como Política Pública: Uma Revisão Sistemática sobre seus limites e potencialidades. Revista Gestão & Tecnologia, 15(2), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.20397/2177-6652/2015.v15i2.632
Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a methodology for evidence-based management. British Academy of Management, 14, 207–222.
Vaidyanathan, G. (2008). Technology parks in a develo** country: The case of India. Journal of Technology Transfer, 33, 285–299. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-007-9041-3
Van Oostrom, M., Pedraza-Rodríguez, J. A., & Fernández-Esquinas, M. (2019). Does the location in a Science and Technology Park Influence University - Industry relationships? Evidence from a peripheral region. International Journal of Knowledge Management, 15(3), 66–82. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJKM.2019070104
Wang, S., Wu, Y., & Li, Y. (1998). Development of technopoles in China. Asia Pacific Viewpoint, 39(3), 281–301. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8373.00070
Weng, X. H., Zhu, Y. M., Song, X. Y., & Ahmad, N. (2019). Identification of key success factors for private science parks established from brownfield regeneration: A case study from China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16071295
Westhead, P. (1997). R&D “inputs” and “outputs” of technology-based firms located on and off Science Parks. R and D Management, 27(1), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9310.00041
Yamamoto, P. T., Dos, R., & Coutinho, A. (2019). Technological parks in the state of Paraná, Brazil: Evaluation based on economic and environmental sustainability. International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 13(2), 117–135. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJISD.2019.098982
Yan, M. R., Chien, K. M., Hong, L. Y., & Yang, T. N. (2018). Evaluating the collaborative ecosystem for an innovation-driven economy: A systems analysis and case study of science parks. Sustainability, 10(3), 887–900. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10030887
Yang, D., Li, X., & Chen, J. (2010). Patent propensity in small technology-based firms: Evidence from Zhongguancun Science Park. China and World Economy, 18(1), 99–116. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-124X.2010.01183.x
Yuen, B. (1992). Singapore high technology cluster: Origin and present situation. Journal of Property Research, 9(3), 247–260. https://doi.org/10.1080/09599919208724070
Yun, S., & Lee, J. (2013). An innovation network analysis of science clusters in South Korea and Taiwan. Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, 21(2), 277–289. https://doi.org/10.1080/19761597.2013.866310
Zavale, N., & Langa, P. (2018). University-industry linkage’s literature on Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic literature revieww and bibliometric account. Scientometric, 116(1), 1–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-018-2760-4
Zeng, Z. X., Song, B. X., & Wang, Q. T. (2013). A literature review on the research of circular economy-based green MICE. Advanced Materials Research, 616–618, 1615–1619. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.616-618.1615
Abidin, R., Abdullah, C. S., Hasnan, N., Mohtar, S., & Osman, N. H. (2013). The impact of technology parks services on the high technology industry: A case study on Kulim Hi-Tech Park. In Entrepreneurship Vision 2020: Innovation, Development Sustainability, and Economic Growth - Proceedings of the 20th International Business Information Management Association Conference, IBIMA 2013 (Vol. 1).
IASP - International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (2020). Definitions IASP. Retrieved September 3, 2020, from https://www.iasp.ws/our-industry/definitions
Sutherland, D. (2005). Asia Pacific Business Review, 11(1), 83–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/1360238052000298399
UNESCO (2018). Science and Technology Park Governance: Concept and Definition United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved October 3, 2022, from: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/science-technology/university-industrypartnerships/science-parks-around-the-world
UN ESCAP (2019). Establishing Science and Technology Parks: A reference guidebook for policy makers in Asia and the Pacific United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://repository.unescap.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12870/114/ESCAP-2019-MN-Establishing-science-and-technology-parks.pdf?sequence=1
US Embassy (2002). Executive Summary: An Evaluation of China’s Science and Technology System and its Impact on the Research Community. Retrieved March 26, 2021, from www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/ST-ReportSum.htm
Funding
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Publisher’s Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Sandoval Hamón, L.A., Ruiz Peñalver, S.M., Thomas, E. et al. From high-tech clusters to open innovation ecosystems: a systematic literature review of the relationship between science and technology parks and universities. J Technol Transf 49, 689–714 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-022-09990-6
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-022-09990-6