THE EFFECT OF THE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF A SCIENCE PARK ON AIR QUALITY: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF HSINCHU SCIENCE PARK IN TAIWAN

Science parks have become important factors in the development of global economy. However, the development process of Hsinchu Science Park, with economic growth at the same time, cause serious air pollution that needs to be investigated. The influence of the economic development on air quality is an important research topic. Vector Auto Regression model (VAR) was used to analyze the effect of R&D funding, and of the operating performance on the air pollution index (PSI). The results show that there is a long-term stable relationship between R&D funding, the operating performance and PSI. There is a significant relationship between R&D funding, park performance and deferred effect; the management performance of the Science Park has a significant pulse response on PSI with a relatively short impact cycle. To improve the air quality, the government should pay attention to the issue of environmental impact during the economic development and management of science parks.