Science Parks and Local Knowledge Creation: A Conceptual Approach and an Empirical Analysis in two Italian Realities

This paper aims to measure the effectiveness of science parks in fostering knowledge transfer processes at local level. Although many empirical studies have focused on the ability of Science Parks to undertake knowledge-related tasks, we argue that little is known about the ability of Science Parks to perform gatekeeping functions and support of socialised processes of knowledge creation at local level. Our conceptual assumption is that the capacity of Science Parks to foster bridging and networking mechanisms among economic actors increases when firms are characterised by high absorptive and relational capacity. The empirical analysis provides prima facie evidence that Science Parks play a role in creating relationships among local actors while they poorly perform their gatekeeping function.