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Globalization has drastically improved latecomer countries ' access to advanced technologies. To the extent that technology upgrading is important for development, it provides a unique opportunity for latecomer countries to raise per capita income. One such way of upgrading the technological capabilities of a latecomer country/region is through the development of "technopoles " or Science Cities. These technopoles, if successfully developed, can help regions to achieve several objectives: (a) transfer of technology, (b) create local spin-off companies, and (c) gain competitive edge by embracing better technology and (d) increase productivity. Thus, in the last half-century, many governments invested heavily on the planning and development of such technopoles with the aim of making them the "innovation center " of science and technology for the region/country. However, the success rates of these planned technopoles differ. Some technopoles emerged as new "growth engines " but some became a burden to the government and a waste of scarce resources. If governments understood the critical ingredients for successful technopole development, they could better plan for them at the outset before they embark on such major economic and urban projects