| Description |
This study identifies the factors necessary for the success of university related research. parks within a framework of the selected management principles of planning, organization, and control. An empirical approach, supported by quantitative data and analysis, tested four hypotheses related to factors which were considered important in the decisions of occupants to locate in such parks. The verification of the hypotheses enabled the development of a model to be used as encouragement for, or warning against, the establishment of a university related research park. The suggested model is the unique contribution of this dissertation. Data collected from two questionnaires and personal interviews are the primary sources of information for this study. One questionnaire was sent to 181 occupants of research parks and another was sent to seventeen park administrators. The response was high. Over 73.5 percent of the occupants responded, and all seventeen administrators completed the questionnaire. In addition, interviews were conducted with fifteen research park administrators. The general conclusions provided by the study are: 1. The majority of occupants in university related research parks are there primarily because there is some logical tie-in between the company activity and the university faculty and graduate programs. 2. The technical services of a computer and the convenience services of a restaurant, motel, post office, and bank are considered desirable by research park occupants. 3. Three research park management policies which administrators and occupants consider critical to the success of the park are: a. Physical layout of site should enable expansion of occupants' facilities. b. Controls and restrictions should be established and enforced to enable park to retain aesthetic quality. c. Cost of site should be competitive with alternate sites available. 4. The geographical and environmental factors which occupants consider important in their decisions to locate in a university related research park are the availability of: a. A suburban residential area within commuting distance b. Adequate housing in medium price range ($25,000-$39,000) c. Good public schools d. Established graduate school with significant research program e. University programs which provide: (1) library facilities (2) continuing education opportunities for employees (3) graduates for possible employment with firm f. Skilled technicians in area g. A jet airport located in area h. Community cultural offerings i. Urban center within 50 miles A model based on the above conclusions is presented as a guide for the establishment of a research park. In addition, other important elements derived from a study of the selected management principles and opinions expressed in the interviews by administrators are identified and presented. The findings of this study and the derived model comprise the most comprehensive information on research parks available to date. The utilization of this model and the other information presented should materially enhance the probability of success of new university related research parks. |
