Three distinct science park landscapes merging seamlessly, showcasing the diversity of innovation hubs.

Decoding Science Parks: Are They the Innovation Hubs We Think They Are?

Lena Voss in Tech & Innovation June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study dissects the diverse landscape of European science parks, revealing distinct types and challenging conventional wisdom about their role in fostering innovation."

Science parks, envisioned as epicenters of innovation and collaboration, have become a staple in regional development strategies worldwide. The idea is simple: concentrate cutting-edge companies, research institutions, and bright minds in a single location, and watch the sparks fly. But do all science parks live up to this promise? Are they truly the engines of growth and networking they're designed to be?

For decades, policymakers have poured resources into establishing science parks, hoping to boost entrepreneurship and regional economies. Yet, the academic research evaluating their success has yielded mixed results. Some studies celebrate the enhanced performance of companies within science parks, while others question whether these benefits are significantly different from those experienced by similar firms located elsewhere.

A recent study, surveying 82 science parks across Europe, suggests a compelling reason for these inconsistent outcomes: not all science parks are created equal. By identifying distinct types of science parks, the research offers a more nuanced understanding of their potential and limitations.

Beyond the Buzzword: Understanding the Three Types of Science Parks

Three distinct science park landscapes merging seamlessly, showcasing the diversity of innovation hubs.

The European study, led by researchers at Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, employed cluster analysis to categorize science parks based on their characteristics. This approach moved beyond simplistic classifications and considered a range of factors, including their focus on research, the types of companies they house, their organizational structure, and their location within the urban landscape.

The analysis revealed three distinct types of science parks:

Research Locations: These parks are characterized by a strong emphasis on research and development, often closely affiliated with universities and research institutions. They tend to host medium-sized companies focused on R&D activities, with limited leisure facilities or business support services.
Cooperative Locations: These larger parks prioritize collaboration and networking, providing a mix of facilities and services to support interaction among resident organizations. They often feature shared laboratory space, leisure amenities, and a diverse range of tenants.
Incubator Locations: These smaller parks focus on supporting startups and early-stage companies, offering business support services and access to facilities tailored to their needs. They typically lack extensive research infrastructure and leisure amenities, concentrating on fostering growth and innovation in nascent businesses.

This segmentation challenges the notion of a one-size-fits-all approach to science park development, highlighting the importance of tailoring strategies to the specific characteristics and goals of each type.

Implications for the Future of Innovation

By recognizing the diversity within the science park landscape, policymakers and investors can make more informed decisions about resource allocation and development strategies. For businesses, understanding the different types of science parks can help them choose the optimal location for their operations, maximizing their access to relevant resources and networks. Ultimately, this nuanced perspective can contribute to a more effective and impactful approach to fostering innovation and driving regional economic growth.

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This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.respol.2018.11.004, Alternate LINK

Title: Towards A Segmentation Of Science Parks: A Typology Study On Science Parks In Europe

Subject: Management of Technology and Innovation

Journal: Research Policy

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Wei Keat Benny Ng, Rianne Appel-Meulenbroek, Myriam Cloodt, Theo Arentze

Published: 2019-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary goals typically associated with establishing science parks?

Science parks are generally established with the goal of fostering innovation and collaboration by concentrating companies, research institutions, and skilled individuals in a single location. The aim is to stimulate entrepreneurship and boost regional economies by creating an environment where cutting-edge ideas and technologies can flourish. However, the effectiveness varies, and the recent study highlights the diversity in science park types, questioning whether all achieve these goals equally.

What are the three distinct types of science parks identified in the European study, and what differentiates them?

The European study identifies three distinct types of science parks: Research Locations, Cooperative Locations, and Incubator Locations. Research Locations emphasize research and development, hosting medium-sized companies and maintaining close ties with universities, but may lack leisure facilities. Cooperative Locations prioritize collaboration and networking, offering shared spaces, amenities, and diverse tenants. Incubator Locations focus on supporting startups with business services, lacking extensive research infrastructure but fostering early-stage growth. This segmentation emphasizes that each type has unique characteristics and goals.

How might businesses use the categorization of science parks to their advantage?

Businesses can leverage the categorization of science parks to select the optimal location that aligns with their specific needs and objectives. For example, a research-intensive company might prioritize a 'Research Location' to benefit from proximity to universities and R&D infrastructure. Startups could thrive in 'Incubator Locations' due to the focused business support services. Companies seeking collaborative opportunities might prefer 'Cooperative Locations' to maximize networking and access diverse resources. Understanding these distinctions enables businesses to strategically enhance their access to relevant resources and networks.

What implications does the recognition of different science park types have for policymakers and investors?

Recognizing the diversity among science parks allows policymakers and investors to make more informed decisions regarding resource allocation and development strategies. Instead of applying a uniform approach, they can tailor strategies to the specific characteristics and objectives of each science park type. This nuanced perspective facilitates more effective and impactful approaches to fostering innovation and stimulating regional economic growth, potentially leading to better returns on investment and more successful outcomes.

Considering the varying types of science parks, how could a 'Research Location' evolve to incorporate elements of a 'Cooperative Location' to enhance its overall impact?

A 'Research Location' could enhance its impact by integrating elements of a 'Cooperative Location' through several strategic initiatives. It could introduce shared laboratory spaces to encourage collaboration among researchers from different companies and institutions. Adding leisure amenities and business support services would foster a more vibrant and interactive environment, attracting a broader range of tenants. Organizing regular networking events and workshops would further facilitate knowledge sharing and partnerships, ultimately boosting innovation and regional economic development within the park.