Role of knowledge centres in the promotion of technology parks and incubators

A general consensus has been reached on economic growth justified to a large extent by innovation and technology applied to industry. It is also commonly agreed among state ad local policy officials and academics that region’s long-term economic prospects depend on the ability of a national innovation system to generate and sustain a concentration of firms capable to develop technology-based products and innovation oriented processes that can compete in national as well in international markets (Drescher, 2001). In this global context it assumes higher relevance how knowledge centres can contribute to the economy growth of the country with innovation and technology support. Because of lack of proper intellectual property right regulations and enforcement, lack of entrepreneurial spirit and rewarding incentives for academics, lack of support in linking R&D projects with market demand and vice versa, many opportunities for technology and economic advancement are lost, especially in developing countries. This may result in “brain drain” effect of knowledge centres staff and business sector loosing international competitive strength. The paper tries to address how knowledge centres are required to promote and integrate their action into a global country strategy of a national innovation system, to contribute more effectively to the innovation process of their country economy. Furthermore it focuses on main reasons for the support of technology parks and incubators development by knowledge centres, to have direct benefit for their staff and for the business sector and economy at large. Lastly it is briefly discussed the rationale for knowledge centres to be involved into technology parks and incubators development, if the effectiveness of their impact on regional development and innovation has been proven successful and frequently monitored by neutral bodies, such as International Park or Incubator networks and/or International agencies.