Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
1. University-production co-operation, which creates a technology and innovation
environment open to firms;
2. Infrastructure which transfers technology and business services to SMEs or
larger firms;
3. A number of innovative firms that create a pole for innovation capable of
diffusing technology and know-how to the wider productive system round the
park.
Research and policy analyses have shown that 'science parks' came to be used
as a term to refer to quite different projects, and very different experiences. Perhaps
unsurprisingly, the outcomes from such projects also varied: some succeeded,
some failed, with those in faster-growing areas such as the South East of England
and the South of France doing better than those in old industrial areas, such as
Wales, Northern England, the former coalfields, etc. (Komninos
2002
). Helpfully,
Komninos (
2002
, p. 53) also outlines the five main types of projects that char-
acterised this period of development. These still remain as elements of most
regional development programmes in European-based practices:
Science parks—these are probably the simplest way to plan and develop new
technology districts and industrial spaces. Local authorities, development agencies,
European state governments and the European Commission have supported them,
with the aim of creating environments favourable to technology transfer and
technological development. The main focus of science parks is to boost the creation
of technology-based firms. This means a firm whose strength and competitive edge
are derived from the knowledge of its field, such as natural science, engineering or
medicine, and the subsequent transformation of this know-how into products and
services for a market. The definition includes not only manufacturing firms but also
firms in industry-related services. To such firms, science parks offer a friendly
environment to product development, cooperation with R&D organisations, sup-
port from technology transfer agencies, brand name and quality premises.
Research parks—are usually located close to one or more universities or similar
academic and research institutions. Its emphasis is on research rather than
development and the key is academic/research liaison at the leading edge of sci-
ence and technology. Normally, production plants are precluded.
Technology parks—a development to accommodate companies engaged in the
commercial application of high technology, with activities including R&D, pro-
duction, sales and servicing. It is distinguished from science and research parks
because of a greater emphasis on production. Academic involvement is also
essential. Technology parks meet the specialised location requirements of high-
technology companies, but they offer a higher proportion of non-production to
production space. The emphasis is on the proximity of high-technology companies
engaged in similar operations. There may be restrictions on tenants, and a
requirement that they exhibit some high-tech activity.
Innovation centres—a facility catering for the needs of predominantly new
businesses engaged in the development and marketing of new technological
products
and
services.
The
purpose
of
an
innovation
centre
is
to
promote
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