"A science park is a critical mix”

Vending out square meters of space to just anyone involved in Life Sciences - the old way - is not the best recipe for a successful Science Park. Éva Karásek explains how to do things the right way.

Éva Karásek has a background in Strategic Technology Management (MBA, University of Newcastle, UK) and also studied psychology and political science. With her Amsterdam-based company Upper Bright Side, of which she is scientific director, Karásek develops new concepts for Science Park formation. She joined the Vespucci team in 2006. Karásek, on the 'old way' of Life Sciences parks formation: “Local or regional authorities decide a science park is a good idea with a view to re-industrialization, regional development and the creation of synergies.  As long as potential tenants pay up for the square meters they rent, and fit into the general description of Life Science, that's fine with them.”
However, very often the original objectives of science parks are not achieved, and few differences exist between in-park and off-park businesses. “The park therefore has little added value”, Karásek points out. Drawing on her own research into a recent science park start-up initiated by a large Dutch Life Sciences player, Karásek knows where things can go wrong and how to set them right: “Clear identity is only one of nine prime conditions that should be met. Access to scientific networks, but most of all access to markets and marketing expertise are others.” And foresight is absolutely essential, Karásek stresses: “Where does the science park want to go?, is a question managers should be asking themselves. In which parts of a field will innovation be promoted?” An important tool, Karásek feels, is to identify an 'umbrella' concept: “That could be Aging, for instance, or any other issue playing an important role in the ways people – the end-users of the products of park-based companies – live their lives.” Including the right players in a concept of a science park is crucial too. Karásek: “In the case of Aging, that could mean a manufacturer of health supplements for the elderly, as well as a clinical research company that focuses on age-related health problems. You must select, based on carefully thought out entry criteria, if you want a successful mix of tenants. We can provide the necessary scientific, organizational and marketing expertise for setting up science parks the new way.”