Abstract:

Science Parks are complex organizations. They have been used as instruments to foster knowledge transfer, research-based industrial innovation, economic growth and international competitiveness. However the extant literature is not coherent about the precise impact of these instruments, since there are different models in different environments. Therefore, this paper seeks to present the concrete model of Alicante Science Park (ASP), a high-tech multi-sector project promoted by the University of Alicante (UA) in order to enforce University-Industry cooperation, promote the development and sustainability of new technology-based companies and also to foster innovation processes in existing companies of its region. Alicante Science Park is a young and humble project in a consolidation and expansion phase with around twenty innovative companies in its environment. However, it is a well-constructed project that avoids duplicities and achieves acceptable returns for the UA and the ASP.

This paper tries to summarize functioning, structure, business profile, innovation ecosystem, existing infrastructure and services and programmes offered to enterprises. Moreover, this study analyses the strategic alliance of the Science Park with the University of Alicante and the link with other partners. Also the Science Park is the shareholder of the spin-offs promoted by the University of Alicante and this fact has particular connotations. Finally, this paper analyses the balance of the project, returns, socio-economic impact, knowledge transfer indicators and its contribution in the transformation of the industry of Alicante region.

Keywords:

University-industry cooperation, science park, knowledge transfer, spin-off.