ROLE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
PARKS IN INDUSTRIALIZATION
Isaac O. Nyambok
University of Nairobi
Conceptual Framework
Development in the last three decades
Synergies between Government, private
sector and research institutions (University)
•
Interfacing of research and commercial
development of products
•
Research results and launching of new
knowledge-based industries.
Convergence of Interests
Government’s
• Economic development founded on industrial
growth
• Human capitalization and population retention
Private Sector Industries
• Competitive advantage founded on innovations
and application of R & D results
• Acquisition of new skills and technology
Universities or Research Institutions
•
•
•
•
Additional independent income
Transfer of technology
Base for innovation and research
Profile and change of culture
Required Strategies
Bringing together innovators and
entrepreneurs
Merging knowledge and industrial
production
Interfacing experiments and business
planning or incubation
Location
S and T Parks normally situated:
• Close to areas of highest research programmes
• Abundance of technical know-how and
customized instrumentation and laboratory setups
• Close to the hub of industrial activities
Main Goals
 Provision of focal points for research and
development (R & D) and innovations
 Creation of business support and technology
transfer initiatives
 Support provision for start-ups and incubation of
innovation-led, high growth, knowledge-based
enterprises
 Linkage between industry and universities and/or
research institutions
Categories of Science and
Technology Parks
• One wholly owned by a university
• A joint venture between a university and
other partners
• A co-operative project involving a
university, local authorities and other
partners
• A consortium of several research
institutions and the private sector
Types of Enterprises and
Ownership
• Majority of enterprises may not be involved
in incubation, but the technology beyond
the discovery phases
Types of Enterprises
• Research-based value added resellers
• Those merging technology developed by
others with their own for enhanced new
composite products
• Those assembling and selling technology
developed by themselves
• Those catering for consultancy services
• Those providing a base for contract research
Ownership of the Park
• Real estate owner (e.g. University of
Nairobi)
• Participatory owners (those engaged in
specific aspects or units and are so
providing funds)
• Affiliates (not owners) involved in research
collaboration, but will share in the benefits
derived from intellectual property rights.
Measures of Success
Convergence of highly committed and
talented personnel, and venture capital
In-built components for technology transfer,
generation of income, company formation
and growth, and high profile and occupancy
rate
Contribution to the national economic
growth and industrial development
 Addition of value to the natural and other
resources (raw materials)
 Inward investment, floatation, awards for success
stories
 Payment of royalties and re-investment in
knowledge capital and innovation capacity
 After commercialization through venture capital,
the Parks must be self-sustaining and be able to
generate extra income to the investors/owners.
THAT IS OUR EXPECTATION
FROM THE SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY PARKS IN
SPURRING
INDUSTRIALIZATION
THANK YOU