Science parks play a crucial role in stimulating networking, innovation and economic performance of companies in the Netherlands. Over the past decade, science parks added significantly more new companies and employees than the Dutch average. Factors such as the presence of a university, sectoral focus and the quality of the ecosystem have a positive influence on attracting and retaining companies at Dutch science parks. This is according to research by a.s.r. real estate into the chances of survival of companies at Dutch science parks.
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UNIVERSITY AT SCIENCE PARK PROVIDES STABLE ENVIRONMENT
Science parks with a knowledge carrier such as a university or academic medical center were better able to retain both young and more mature companies over the past decade. Whereas at science parks with a commercial knowledge carrier, the chances of survival for especially young companies were visibly lower. University science parks offer a stable environment, leading to better innovations, higher sales and profits, and more opportunities for cost savings. Science parks with a large commercial company as the knowledge carrier, on the other hand, show a higher probability of third-party acquisitions, which is an important indicator of commercial success.
Furthermore, research shows clear differences within groups with similar characteristics. For example, at the TU Delft Campus, where nearly 10% fewer bankruptcies were observed than at similar university science parks in the Randstad.
FOCUS ON SPECIFIC SECTOR CREATES COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
The study also demonstrates the importance of a sectoral focus for science parks. Science parks that focus on specific sectors, such as agri-food and life sciences, have a competitive advantage and more easily attract companies operating in those sectors. The expertise and facilities offered within these specialized parks play a vital role in tenant retention. Within the group of universities with a sectoral focus outside the Randstad, the study shows that at Wageningen Campus, 24% fewer bankruptcies have been observed over the last decade compared to science parks with similar location characteristics. Larger science parks also offer more opportunities for shared facilities and encourage collaboration between companies.
ECOSYSTEM FOR KNOWLEDGE SHARING, INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION
The study further emphasizes that a favorable ecosystem at science parks, with proximity to universities, research institutes and other companies, is critical to promote knowledge sharing, innovation and collaboration. An ecosystem provides the set of formal and informal interactions on site and in the region between partners, competitors, customers and suppliers, When selecting locations for science parks, the ability to create a strong Research & Development ecosystem should be considered. In addition, attention should be paid to sectoral focus (e.g. life sciences or high-tech) and sufficient park size for users to specialize and grow.
The ASR Dutch Science Park Fund sees these findings as confirmation of the importance of science parks for economic growth and innovation. The fund continues to invest in science parks in the Netherlands, focusing on locations with strong knowledge assets and growth potential.
Read the entire research report on the a.s.r. real estate website.
