Research parks: Instrument,or harbinger of a new university paradigm?

This paper examines research, or science, parks as indicators of a possible change in the concept and role of modern universities. The battle for knowledge-intensive industry and enterprise among world economic superpowers and universities' control over educational manpower has led to a closer scrutiny of those institutions by the state and private enterprise.The private and public sectors are urging universities to respond rapidly to a strategic need for skilled human resources and relevant research. Universities will experience increasing pressures to direct energies and resources to collaborative relationships among universities, industry, and government for the public good. Those who do not will risk reduced freedom and control of their own affairs whereas those who do are likely to prosper and play their part in influencing society in this information age and be transformed themselves. Research and science parks are becoming powerful and valued agents of change in bridging this university-industry gap.