A multilevel analysis of the interaction between science parks and external agents : a study in Brazil and Portugal.

Abstract

Science parks are fundamental for the development of new technology-based frms. For this purpose, intense networks of relationships with external agents permeate them. However, it is still necessary a more systematic view about the relationship

between science parks and external agents. Accordingly, this article analyzes the rela- tionship between science parks and external agents based on fve levels of geographic

scope: local, regional, national, continental, and global. In this research, a two-stage approach was employed we frst investigate 30 science parks in Brazil and Portugal

through documental analysis. The fndings are refned and validated through inter- views involving a sub-sample of 11 science parks. We identify six diferent categories

of relationships between science parks and external agents—foundation, investment, management, knowledge-transfer, technical–scientifc partnerships, and partnerships

(networks/associations)—and four types of external agents—associations, compa- nies, governments, and universities. We fnd considerable diferences in the intensity

and nature of the relationships between science parks and external agents within and

throughout all geographic levels as well as locational diferences in Brazil and Por- tugal. Finally, this article presents a detailed view of the relationships between sci- ence parks and external agents from a holistic perspective. Our results and insights

can be useful for assessing the contextual insertion of science parks at diferent lev- els of geographic scope, paving the way for their deeper characterization and further

research on their maturity.