Knowledge and technology transfer in technoparks development

The purpose of this study was to develop a knowledge and technology transfer framework, to review the development of technoparks over the last 30 years, and to analyse available technopark development frameworks with an eye towards appropriately evaluating technopark development programs in Korea. Through a comprehensive literature review, the four levels of knowledge and technology transfer are suggested: Knowledge and Technology Creation (Level I), Sharing (Level II), Implementation (Level III), and Commercialisation (Level IV). It is noted in the study that technopark development in Korea has gone through three distinctive generations over the years, with the first generation marked by the development of Taedok Science Town (TST) in the 1970s and 1980s. The second generation then occurred in late 1980s and early 1990s, with the objective of invigorating local economies in Korea, but directed from the centre. Starting in the 1990s, the third generation of technopark development began, marked by active participation of local governments eager to boost their regional economies in an era of local autonomy. In line with its declared policy of promoting local government autonomy and responsibility, the new Korean government policy on new technoparks development clearly dictates that financial support for technopark development of local government will be made only if the local government surpasses preset criteria. Finally, the specific evaluation scheme devised to judge proposals of local governments applying for technopark development financial assistance is described.