Are technology parks the same? A typology proposal for an emerging economy

Autores/as

  • Bolliger Bolliger
  • Fischer Bruno
  • Marcelo Gonçalves do Amaral
  • Adriana Ferreira de Faria
  • Milena Pavan Serafim

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1108/INMR-12-2023-0245

Palabras clave:

Science and technology parks, Brazil, Cluster analysis, Heterogeneity

Resumen

Purpose

Recent literature has increasingly analyzed Science and Technology Parks (STPs) as heterogeneous ecosystems. However, studies on STPs in emerging countries remain limited. This study aims to develop a typology of STP profiles based on their distinctive characteristics in a developing country and to compare these profiles with the context of developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory methodology was adopted to identify STP profiles in the Brazilian context. The analysis focused on four dimensions associated with their configurations: structural characteristics, knowledge generation, resource availability and local context. Cluster analysis was conducted using SPSS software.

Findings

The study identifies three distinct clusters of STPs: University-Based, Legitimator and Firms-Hotel. These clusters differ significantly in terms of resource provision, associations with research centers and universities and age.

Research limitations/implications

The study is constrained by the sample size. Furthermore, it does not explore differences in the operational dynamics of the clusters over time.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrate that Brazilian STPs are composed of diverse elements, highlighting the need for policies and strategies that move beyond assumptions of structural isomorphism. Such policies and strategies should focus on resource complementarity with local capacities. The research also underscores the potential of using clustering methodologies as a foundation for evaluating the impact of STPs on the performance of tenant firms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the heterogeneous nature of STPs in emerging economies and differences to developed countries context.

Descargas

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Referencias

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Publicado

2025-12-16

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Are technology parks the same? A typology proposal for an emerging economy. (2025). INMR - Innovation & Management Review, 22(4). https://doi.org/10.1108/INMR-12-2023-0245