Title: Constructing a conducive environment for the growth of knowledge-based SMEs in a science park context: a study on the demand-side perceptions in Malaysia

Authors: Yuehua Zhang

Addresses: Department of Marketing and International Management, Waikato Management School, The University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand

Abstract: Through the late 20th century, establishing science parks to assist technological entrepreneurs and knowledge-based SMEs has been one of the features of national and/or regional strategies for stimulating innovation. This paper probes the demand-side perceptions towards the needed elements composing a conductive environment for the growth of knowledge-based SMEs. Through interviewing 20 executives of tenant firms of Technology Park Malaysia, the third most popular park in the Asia Pacific, the study found that infrastructure, incentive, publicity and service characterise those elements. Both good basic infrastructure and advanced technological infrastructure are their most common needs. Incentives concerning tax advantage, venture capital, grants, and rental subsidies are the second. Increasing publicity and providing technological, secretarial and administrative support/service are also beneficial. These findings provide insights for not only the operation of Technology Park Malaysia but also other parks, particularly those in developing economies.

Keywords: science parks; technology parks; management; SMEs; knowledge-based firms; entrepreneurship; infrastructure; Malaysia; developing economies; developing countries.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2004.005759

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2004 Vol.4 No.5, pp.515 - 528

Published online: 30 Nov 2004 *

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