EVOLVING ROLE AND PERFORMANCE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARKS IN INNOVATION SYSTEMS: A QUINTUPLE HELIX PERSPECTIVE
Authors:   Kraków University of Economics, Dąbrowska Justyna 
Published: January 2025

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify various dimensions of change within science
and technology parks over a ten-year period. This study identifies how science and technology
parks have changed between 2012-2022 and whether they align with the Quintuple Helix
system.
Design/methodology/approach: The primary research method employed is document
analysis, supplemented by comparative analysis as the principal research technique. This study
utilizes secondary data sourced from the International Association of Science and technology
parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP).
Findings: The study illustrates that between 2012 and 2022, science and technology parks have
experienced an increased presence of the private sector within their ownership structures.
Furthermore, these parks have transitioned from facilities management organizations to entities
that collect, process, and disseminate knowledge to their clients through value-added services.
They have begun to provide support to non-resident companies, underscoring their expanded
role within the innovation ecosystem. In alignment with the Quintuple Helix model, science
and technology parks facilitate collaboration among academia, industry, government, civil
society, and the natural environment. They are increasingly involved in community support and
sustainability initiatives. These developments highlight the parks’ pivotal role in orchestrating
regional innovation systems and enhancing regional competitiveness.
Research limitations/implications: One limitation of this study is the reliance on secondary
data, coupled with the limited availability of data regarding the number of parks and the
geographical distribution of the sample. This may result in a sample that is not representative
of each region. Future research should aim to explore additional variables and strive for a more
balanced sample distribution across all geographical regions.
Practical implications: The findings suggest that science and technology parks should enhance
investment strategies to attract private sector involvement, diversify their service offerings to
include more knowledge-based and value-added services, and develop tools to support non
resident companies. Policymakers can use these insights to craft policies that encourage private
sector investment in science and technology parks, fostering a more dynamic and diverse
ownership structure.
Social implications: Increased community engagement can amplify the social impact of
science and technology parks. The emphasis on community engagement and sustainability
initiatives can enhance the quality of life for local residents, promote social cohesion,
and encourage environmentally responsible practices. Parks can also serve as hubs for education and social services, further integrating themselves into the fabric of the community
and contributing to overall social well-being.
Originality/value: The paper presents novel insights regarding the evolving ownership
structures of science and technology parks and provides empirical evidence supporting the shift
from their traditional role in property management to a focus on knowledge creation.
This knowledge is disseminated through various value-added services to resident companies
and a wider public which enhance the parks’ role in the innovation ecosystem.