Challenge:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development determined to finance projects which would promote entrepreneurship in several Balkan nations and encourage them further towards open market-oriented economies. Part of this initiative included finance for the development of science parks to be tightly articulated with existing multipartite bases of research. These science parks needed to be initiated with optimal processes and ideal initial tenants such that the parks would be maximally successful and enjoy indefinite longevity.
The Oracle’s Solution:
The Oracle deployed a team of fellows who had extensive previous experience in the design, monitoring and management of science parks. This experience covered geographies in Europe, the Middle East, South America and Australasia.
Extensive frameworks of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and priority activities for incubators and technology parks were presented to the Bank and its end beneficiaries for comment, iterative development, and ultimate agreement.
These KPIs and activities were then deployed in the establishment of three science park precincts. Estate partners were appointed and park administrators and champions were recruited. Keystone tenants were identified and incentive schemes were enacted to attract optimal networks of occupants within the parks’ communities. Six months of mentorship was provided to new SME tenants within each park.
Consequential Impact:
The science parks are running successfully and serve as a critical innovation nexus for the universities and research centres which they serve. They are central components of burgeoning, interconnected innovation ecosystems.