What Supports Startups Need From Science and Technology Parks

Abstract

This study establishes strategies for the science and technology park (STP) operators to develop the support their hosted companies/startups (HCs) need to improve their performance at different stages of maturity. Unlike most of the research concentrated on the STP's viewpoints or used the after-the-fact results to create the policy guidelines for the operators, our paper uses the opposite approach by directly asking the HCs regarding what they need. From our survey results, we have identified two different strategies for improving HCs' performance. A comprehensive internal incubation network is necessary for any startup in a relatively mature development stage but with short settled years. On the other hand, a robust external incubation network is crucial for small-size startups in a low level of development stage but with long-settled years at STPs. We hope that the methodology underpinned in this study could open a new window for future research to better aid HCs in an STP.