Science Park Study: Summary and Some Cautions

A recent research study says that many regions support local knowledge clusters in the hopes that geographic proximity will promote technology diffusion and enhance industrial competitiveness.

The study, from Italy, suggests the effectiveness of such clusters or science parks depends upon the nature of the firms and institutions involved. suggest science parks tailor their efforts to capitalize on local characteristics and potential customer base. Efforts to promote geographic knowledge clusters based solely on proximity will fail to realize significant knowledge diffusion and will not boost the region’s economy.

Here is my take on this one. First, only those areas with sizable technology and science bases will be able to do as the researchers suggest and succeed. Second, it's fine to help local companies and entrepreneurs, BUT the science park must be nationally and globally competitive to survive and thrive. Simply developing a locally-focused park will not cut it in most areas.

Download the paper here. (Note: save it to your computer rather than simply downloading it in the open mode.)