Four challenges for a new science and technology park: AvePark in Guimarães, Portugal

Abstract

Science and technology parks are investments primarily focused on achieving economic and innovation outcomes, but may also serve urban and perception change objectives. Inaugurated in the autumn of 2008, the new science and technology park in Guimarães – AvePark – carries opportunities for regional economic diversification, but brings challenges calling for innovative and integrated policymaking, multi-layered regional governance and proactive management. Will AvePark primarily become an academic centre of excellence and a real estate venture, or will it steer broader regional objectives of economic diversification and image change?

Keywords:

• regional development
• innovation
• science parks

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Willem van Winden, António Figueiredo, Rodrigo Meireles and Jeroen Klijs for the insightful discussions related with the topic of this communication. The support of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology is acknowledged.

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