Feasibility study on networking science parks
The increasing number of science and technology parks or similar structures in the Community raises issues of communication and coordination, and, generally questions of networking possibilities and advantages. These networks could include universities, research centres, public agencies, private enterprises, etc. In order to steer this development in the most efficient directions, the Commission services responsible for innovation and technology transfer, telecommunications and regional policies are jointly looking into the needs for, and feasibility of, supporting networks of science parks and the diffusing of advanced telematic tools (SPNET). Following a call for tenders, a consortium of experts and international consultants led by Segal Quince Wicksteed Ltd. (UK) has been appointed to carry out a feasibility study on networking science parks. The study has three main objectives: - To verify the validity and opportunity of constituting or strengthening networks of European science parks; - To evaluate if the use by science parks and by their tenant companies of telematic applications, could support the transfer of technology, exchange of experience and cooperation between science parks, firms as well as research centres locally or internationally; - To assess the potential role of the science parks as demonstration centres for local SMEs especially in the least favoured and/or peripheral European regions. Results, including the opportunity and conditions of eventual Commission actions on the promotion of networks between science and technology parks are expected to be available at the end of this year.