Assessing the Impact of Science Parks on Knowledge Interaction in the Regional Innovation System

Abstract

In the regional innovation system, science parks are expected to act as a catalyst for localized knowledge flow. Based on micro data on new technology-based firms (NTBFs) located in science parks and a questionnaire survey to science park managers, we examine whether science parks are efficient and which science parks are more efficient. Empirical results show that on-park NTBFs are unlikely to establish localized knowledge linkages, represented as joint research with universities and public research institutes. Furthermore, science parks that provide organizational arrangement, instead of the physical advantage, for R&D of tenants encourage knowledge interactions between tenants and universities.

Keywords: Science parks, regional innovation system, new technology-based firms, joint research

JEL Classification: O33, M21, R58