Science parks as key players in entrepreneurial ecosystems

This study explores the crucial role of modern science parks in the creation, development, and management of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Thus, it has developed a conceptual framework for analysing the role that science parks could have in developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem. We interviewed several stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem oriented towards sustainable production. The study design comprises three levels of analysis: 27 nodes, 7 themes, and 3 aggregate dimensions. While a science park can play a key role in creating, developing, and managing an entrepreneurial ecosystem, we find that its success largely depends on the level of cooperation among the key stakeholders. This study provides new insights into (i) how we can better comprehend the emergence of linkages to develop entrepreneurial ecosystems and (ii) how science park managers and regional policymakers can better examine the role of key stakeholders in envisioning, configuring, and enabling regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. When studying science parks, it is important to use a holistic approach, focusing on the key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem – science parks and their stakeholders – and knowing how and when to intervene.Funding: Swedens innovation agency VINNOVA; Helix Competence Centre at Linkoping University