Science and technology park: Future challenges

Science and Technology Parks (STPs) originated in the 1950s in the US. Since then, a number of countries have implemented these types of parks to develop and revitalize regions, boost high-tech industry sectors, foster greater industry-academia interaction, support new technology-based firms (NTBFs), and encourage academic spin-offs. Although these parks have operated for many years, there is no universally accepted definition in the literature or consensus regarding the contributions of STPs to the region and tenant companies. Using the method proposed by Lage Junior and Godinho Filho (2010), this study analyses 56 articles, indicating their objectives and results and providing guidance on controversial topics, and identifies existing gaps, opportunities, and challenges for future studies. The results suggest that the multiple definitions of STPs make expectations about these parks very high. Much of the literature identifies positive contributions for both the region and tenant companies and the main impact is fostering greater interaction with universities.