The double-edged sword of government role in innovation systems: A case study in the development of policy-led University Science Parks in China

Yanli Zhang, Jielin Dong, Yuhua Cao, John Cantwell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to study a widespread type of policy-led University Science Park in China and draw lessons for their future development. In recent years many University Science Parks sponsored by local governments have emerged in China, whose mission is to raise regional level of innovation and economic growth through promoting university-industry connections. We conduct an in-depth case study of one such typical park, the Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (SEID). Through our field research, we find that the local government has played a critical role in driving university-industry connections and the innovation and entrepreneurship level in SEID, yet many issues remain. We group these issues into three areas: priority setting in university development, university-industry collaborations, innovation and entrepreneurship intermediaries. In conclusion, we find that SEID needs to further transform itself from a largely government-driven to a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem and local government needs to find the right balance for its involvement. The case study offers a glimpse into a typical phenomenon of policy-led University Science Parks in China and provides future lessons and policy recommendations.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2017 IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society Conference, TEMSCON 2017
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages7-12
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781509011148
DOIs
StatePublished - 31 Jul 2017
Event2017 IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society Conference, TEMSCON 2017 - Santa Clara County, United States
Duration: 8 Jun 201710 Jun 2017

Publication series

Name2017 IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society Conference, TEMSCON 2017

Other

Other2017 IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society Conference, TEMSCON 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySanta Clara County
Period8/06/1710/06/17

Keywords

  • China
  • Entrepreneurship ecosystems
  • Geography of innovation
  • Regional innovation policy
  • Regional innovation systems
  • University science park
  • University-industry connections

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