Recent Research: Science Park Success Depends on Local Strengths

Many regions support local knowledge clusters in the hopes that geographic proximity will promote technology diffusion and enhance industrial competitiveness. A working paper from Italy suggests the effectiveness of such clusters or science parks depends upon the nature of the firms and institutions involved.

Roberta Capello of Politecnico of Milan and Andrea Morrison of Universita del Piemonte Orientale compare survey data from firms in two Italian regions (Pisa and Genova) where knowledge facilitators actively operate. In their working paper, An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Science Parks in Local Knowledge Creation: A Territorial Perspective, the authors evaluate innovation based on these efforts to facilitate knowledge exchange via internal and external networks.

Using regression and cluster analyses, Capello and Morrison examine the effectiveness of these networking efforts. The research demonstrates that science parks play a critical role in building relationships among local businesses and institutions ­ particularly for smaller firms. However, efforts to facilitate external relationships do not generally help tenant firms innovate, Capello and Morrison find. Knowledge facilitators succeed most with firms that already have a track record in absorbing new technology and existing business networks, according to their analysis.

Capello and Morrison 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.

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Science Parks in Local Knowledge Creation: A Territorial Perspective is available at: http://www.schumpeter2004.uni-bocconi.it/dwload.php?download=download&id_pap=271