Virtual and real-estate science and technology parks: a case study of Taguspark

The present paper demonstrates that virtual science and technology parks (V-STPs) and real-estate-based science, and technology parks (RE-STPs) should not be alternative or opposed institutions but rather complementary solutions, since these two concepts contain in themselves strong mutual synergies. Integrated V-STPs and RE-STPs are the successful real science and technology parks (STPs) of the future. In this context, Taguspark, the largest STP of Portugal, is presented. and some of the services that can be introduced under this web-based new approach are discussed. The 'On Line Innovation (ONLI) project', corresponding to an 'ONLI' initiative, is a virtual European network of STPs for innovative services, developed by six institutions from different European countries under a European Union founded program. The main thematic areas of this virtual network are: (1) technology watch. (2) technology assessment. (3) networking, (4) technology audit, (5) marketing of innovation and (6) financing of innovation. This paper presents and explains one of the tools developed by Taguspark, designated as a 'financing innovation tool', which aims at helping new entrepreneurs to interactively create their own business plans. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.