Connectivity Community: Improving information linkages in a technology park

摘要

The growth of science and technology parks worldwide has been stimulated by the perception of their role as foci for regional development. Studies of these parks often show discrepancies between the media hype associated with these developments and the reality on the ground. This paper provides an overview of a study commissioned by the National Technological Park (NTP), Limerick, Ireland, in order to enhance information linkages among relevant actors on the Park, in the longer-term context of encouraging innovation through such formal and informal communication mechanisms. The study consisted of a survey and a series of follow-up face-to-face interviews with Park and University people, resulting in a set of recommendations. The paper outlines the methdology of the study and the follow-up actions initiated on the Park as a result of the report recommendations with a view to enhancing the innovatory capacity of the Park.