Title: Science parks in developing countries: the case of BIORIO in Brazil

Authors: Regis Cabral, Sofia Sapolnik Dahab

Addresses: Innovation Relay Center Northern Sweden and Uminova Center, Umea University, S-90187 Umea, Sweden. Nucleo de Politica em C&T, Escola de Administracao - Pos Graduacao, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40-110-100 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract: Science parks provide an ideal interface between university and industry, not only for developed countries, but also for developing countries. The biotechnology pole of Rio de Janeiro, discussed after a survey of the main characteristics of science parks, demonstrates this case. In conclusion, ten main necessary conditions for the success of a science park are suggested. These include not only the proximity to research-oriented institutions, but also strong backing from dynamic government funding agencies and from a research-oriented private sector. Moreover, there is a need for a good manager who can unite these forces, articulate a long-term plan, and give expression to the science park as a legitimate solution to the economic tensions of university and private sector alike and present it as the gatekeeper for their interactions.

Keywords: science parks; biotechnology; developing countries; small finns; science-based industry; management of research and development; Brazil; evaluation; university—industry relations; gatekeeper.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1998.002693

International Journal of Technology Management, 1998 Vol.16 No.8, pp.726-739

Published online: 04 Jul 2003 *

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