Since the early 1980s, Swedish science parks have grown both in number and size, supported and often initiated by local and regional authorities. Swedepark, the umbrella organization, today has 24 park members. They range over a broad field, both as regards expertise and size - from Kista Science Park in Stockholm with 350 companies and over 20,000 employees, to smaller parks with some 10 companies and fewer than 100 employees. The Swedish science parks are unique assets for Sweden, and they spawn research and innovations from the country's colleges and universities in areas ranging from telecom, IT, and forest technology to medicine, biomedicine and biotechnology. That is one reason why increasing numbers of world-leading companies locate research and development departments in Swedish science parks.
Science parks facilitate contact between industry and colleges and universities.
Often there are well-established networks between the schools and the parks, where spontaneous meetings take place. The Swedish science parks offer a variety of services to the companies that choose to locate in them. Assistance is given in helping the companies establish contact with researchers and students, local and regional authorities, as well as networking with other hi-tech companies in the park and in other parks. Administrative services, such as expatriate services and back-office services are also at hand. On the financial side, the parks can help the companies with access to the venture capital market.