A study on the role of science and technology parks in development of knowledge-based economy
| Date | 12 February 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/WJEMSD-05-2017-0021 |
| Published date | 12 February 2018 |
| Pages | 74-85 |
| Author | Sama Khanmirzaee,Mostafa Jafari,Peyman Akhavan |
| Subject Matter | Strategy,Business ethics,Sustainability |
A study on the role of science and
technology parks in development
of knowledge-based economy
Sama Khanmirzaee
Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran, and
Mostafa Jafari and Peyman Akhavan
Department of Industrial Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology,
Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Purpose –Science parks play an important role in development of technology and are able to stimulate
economic growth of the countries. The purpose of this paper is to study the role that science and technology
parks (STPs) play in growth of knowledge-based economy.
Design/methodology/approach –Key factors affecting the competitive advantages and the World Bank
indicators resulting in knowledge-based economy were displayed in the form of a questionnaire which was
examined by experts. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate mainfactors and sub-factors of competitive
advantages of the institutions, including aspects of human resources, research and development and
technology transfer, facilities, market development and to assess the main criteria of knowledge-based
economy known as pillars of the overall economic performance, the institutional regime and economic
incentives, innovation system, education and information technology and communications.
Findings –The obtained results from the study on competitive advantages were evaluated and analyzed by
using SPSS software and the results of the review on development of knowledge-based economy were modeled by
SmartPLS software with partial least squares method. Eventually, the obtained model was tested and analyzed.
Originality/value –This study is an original contribution to the theory of STPs and knowledge-based
economy. It was initiated to examine the role of STPs in development of knowledge-based economy and
presentation schematic model.
Keywords Science and technology parks, Knowledge-based economy, PLS method
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Of the 1970s, science and technology parks (STPs) were identified as part of national
development strategies. Technology parks are considered as a panacea to overcome the national
and regional problems, to reduce unemployment and improve the competitiveness of enterprises
and quality of life as well as the factor to encourage the restructuring of the region in which they
operate (Nummela et al., 2005; O’Shea et al., 2006). The parks have been a central part of the
solution to the difficult and complex problems of regional economic development, employment
and the creation of new businesses (Hansson, 2007). The first research based on the technology
companies has been conducted by Little (1979). Porter et al. stated that the technological
companies, companies that have been established, rely on innovation and scientific inventions
and aimed at innovations commercial exploitation of the technology.
Felsenstein (1994) examined the role of technology parks as the development of
technology-based firms. Ferguson (1999) researched on the company’s growth that shows
technology companies located in the park have greater profitability compared to companies
outside the park.
Lofsten and Lindelof’s (2006) study show that STPs have a positive effect on the
growth and profitability of companies in the field of sales and number of employees.
Other researchers (Ferguson and Olofsson, 2004) tested growth rate of companies with sales
variables, employment and survival of companies inside and outside them.
World Journal of
Entrepreneurship, Management
and Sustainable Development
Vol. 14 No. 1, 2018
pp. 74-85
© Emerald PublishingLimited
2042-5961
DOI 10.1108/WJEMSD-05-2017-0021
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
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74
WJEMSD
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