The Ann Arbor SPARK - Network Intelligence as a driver for the emergence of a next-generation science and technology park

Abstract

In this article, we review the evolution of the phenomenon known as science and technology parks (STPs) as an instrument designed to spur innovation and entrepreneurship at the level of a regional ecosystem. We develop a concept of the next generation of STP, or STP 2.0, as a network of co-located entrepreneurial firms and as a vital node in the value creation networks in a region. We build our definition based on diverse value creation networks such as examples in Triple Helix and Knowledge Triangle. We analyse the human and social factors related to the effectiveness of utilising networks for innovation towards diverse goals in the paradigm theorised as Network Intelligence Framework, Then, we describe the creation and evolution of Ann Arbor Spark as an example of SPT 2.0 focusing on its organisational design as a community platform, its culture of networking across the silos of research and industry and specific projects designed to accelerate time from labs to markets in the post-industrial region of the Rust Belt Michigan in the US. We end the article with a list of conclusions that can inform the design of new and the transformation of existing STPs designed and managed primarily as a real estate investment under the false assumption that the pure co-location of entrepreneurial agents in a physical location spurs innovation and entrepreneurship.