A typology approach to understanding the diversity of Science Parks

Journal article, 2025

Science Parks play a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, acting as hubs for knowledge transfer, technology commercialization, and business development. Despite their growing importance, existing classifications fail to adequately capture their diversity. This study addresses this gap by proposing a novel typology based on two key dimensions: ownership and strategic orientation. We categorize them into four types—Research Parks, Technology Parks, Industrial Parks, and Traditional Parks—providing a framework that enhances understanding, strategic planning, and policymaking. To empirically validate this typology, we analyse 180 Science Parks worldwide, all full members of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP). The classification relies on data from multiple institutional sources, including IASP directories, reports from national Science Park associations, and individual park websites. Our approach introduces a three-tier classification: i) typology, which establishes the overarching structure; ii) types, representing specific categories within the typology; and iii) clusters, further categorize the types into subsets, adding depth to the classification system. Clusters are the results of the practical application of the model to IASP's full members. By categorizing Science Parks into four types and nine clusters, this study provides insights into their distinct needs and challenges, informing more effective policy and management strategies. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on Science Parks by offering a refined classification system that improves understanding of their diversity and strategic roles.