1. Science parks: economic engines or a real estate concept? Prof. dr. Jacques van Dinteren Royal Haskoning, Nijmegen, the Netherlands University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands Stockholm, 27 June 2009

2. Characteristics of science parks Science parks, also commonly known as research parks, technology parks, etc., According to Hansson (2004), they usually have the following elements in common (Hansson, 2004): physical proximity of a university; a focus on knowledge and high-tech companies the presence of an organisation that is helpful to start-ups But often it is also said that the clustering of firms and a university is of great importance with regard to linkages / exchange of knowledge and information

3. The question The question comes up whether a science park is a real estate concept or an ‘engine’ that stimulates the exchange of information and innovation Research results (mainly in the United Kingdom) suggest that for entrepreneurs the importance of proximity to other firms and universities is limited when it comes to strategic knowledge Results of research on two science parks in the Netherlands

4. A rather recent phenomena

5. Position of the Netherlands Relatively late starter (in the eighties first initiatives) Not as many science parks as might expected

7. The research project It is difficult to state that the position of the Netherlands has to do with the relatively smaller number of science parks, but it is interesting to see what their contribution might be A project is set up to investigate Dutch science parks Bio Science Park in Leiden High Tech Campus in Eindhoven

8. Real estate concept? A well-chosen region and location are important With regard to strategic information, proximity seems to be of low importance. For example: Dutch ICT and life science companies principally look beyond their own region for the pertinent knowledge required to solve technological and organisational problems Than the question also arises as to whether a positive effect on the regional economy may be expected Perhaps then we should view a science park primarily as a real estate concept. Not in the narrow sense of the word but more widely, so that the facilities, etc., are also included in the concept

9. Scores for statements presented

10. Differences in geographical orientation Bio Science Park – Leiden High Tech Campus - Eindhoven

11. Regional location factors

12. Valuation of opportunities Opportunities for joint research with the university – 60% (very) positive Access to libraries and information systems – 58% (very) positive Access to graduate students – 55% (very) positive Opportunities for university staff to work part-time in our company – 46% (very) positive Contract research – 38% (very) positive Academic training programmes for my staff – 34% (very) positive Access to laboratories or clean rooms – 34% (very) positive Opportunities for part-time tuition given at the university – 17% (very) positive.

13. Conclusions Strategic relationships are not essential to companies at a science park What is of particular importance is being able to work in a specific environment that is advantageous for the companies involved, strongly geared to knowledge as they are These advantages arise from the opportunity for informal contacts, the opportunity to share facilities and the presence of large numbers of knowledge workers (employment market, opportunities for exchanges with the university) and new graduates

14. Conclusions Science parks seem to be far more a matter of a specific, local environment for a specific market segment In this sense, we can speak of a particular real estate concept But a real estate concept including all kind of services and professional management Facilities are far more important than in other concepts Facilities and a good working environment will become of greater importance in the ‘battle for talent’

15. Conclusions With regard to this latter point is interesting to see that 73% of the entrepreneurs (totally) agreed with the following statement: In view of the increasing scarcity of highly qualified individuals on the employment market, it is essential that a science park offers the optimal work environment to employees. This involves extensive facilities (for instance, shops, hairdressers, catering establishments, fitness studios, etc.) and an attractively designed business park with recreational opportunities (walking and running routes, meeting places, etc.).

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