Defining Indicators for Performance Evaluation in Science and Technology Parks

Performance evaluation is highly relevant, given the importance of science and technology parks for developing and disseminating knowledge and innovation. In this sense, this article sought to validate indicators for evaluating the performance of science and technology parks in the Brazilian context. To achieve the proposed objective, 213 indicators were selected, divided into ten assessment areas, and validated by 15 experts in the field. Our findings revealed that, from the total number of indicators selected, 136 were validated, drawing attention to the parks' relational area, which had the most indicators, both in the literature analyzed and in the validation process. Hence, this article provides theoretical and practical contributions that, through empirical data, can help evaluate performance and develop the management of science and technology parks since applying validated indicators can generate pertinent information, help articulate strategies, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship. © 1973-2011 IEEE.