Evaluating Science Parks Capacity to Create Competitive Advantages: Comparison of Pardis Technology Park and Sheikh Bahaei Science and Technology Park in Iran

Many countries have used science and technology parks to develop high-tech industries. In recent years, Iranian policymakers have been keenly examining this institution. By reviewing papers in this field and considering local dimensions of the issue, we tried to present a framework to evaluate the potential of creating competitive advantages by science and technology parks in Iran. Framework contains "human resources", "R&D and technology transfer", "market development" and "facilities" aspects with 12 factors. Use of this evaluation framework will help managers and policymakers of science parks to identify the main requirements of companies and strengths and weaknesses of the parks and the ability to provide more effective services. Finally, by designing the questionnaire and asking the experts (owners and managers of companies located in the Park) the Pardis Technology Park (PTP) and Sheikh Bahaei Science and Technology Park (SBSTP) were evaluated and compared in creating competitive advantages for their firms. The results show that PTP is significantly superior in providing the factors.