Contribution of Certain Enablers to Success Criteria of Science and Technology Parks

Abstract

The paper aims to cover a research gap in the analysis of certain enablers and their role in the success of science and technology parks (STPs). The goal of the research was to analyse the features of the enablers and point out their potential relationships with various success criteria. The outcomes of the research will help park management better understand STP behaviours. The analysis was done based on the survey data of 113 STPs. After definitions of enabler areas and success criteria plus a literature review, first the interrelations of enabler elements have been analysed using the Association Rule Mining method. Then, their relationship towards eight success criteria measurements have been studied using statistical analysis in order to find the key success drivers. Such a combination has rarely been used for analysing STPs in related research. According to the findings, there are apparent patterns and features within the analysed enabler areas. This is unique feature of the current paper, which highlights the necessity of taking a complex approach towards park services. It underlines the need for research, development and innovation competences and structures in STPs. The statistically relevant enablers as success drivers have revealed the importance of the presence of several factors (like management behaviour, park activities, service elements, etc.). This underlines that balanced development is crucial to successful parks achieving high-level performance.