Science park implementation – A proposal for merging research and industry in developing Arab countries

Abstract

Present economy, expansion, achievements of inventions, demographic distribution and business development of knowledge are the key elements of economic and social development. It looks as close as it is, to conception process; it is the process of creating a new innovation with the role of business needs and technological development. Since 1950, science parks have been developed in the United States of America to bridge the gap between research and Industry. Nowadays a science park is widely spread among developed countries, but not with the same plan, objectives, funds, equipped modalities and outcomes.

This paper will discuss Science Park implementation as an approach for merging research and industry in Lebanon which is considered an example of a developing Arab country. It is going to present how this moderately new archetype for business innovation could be implemented. Based on studies and analysis, an overview has been done by applying an ideal approach, plan, program, and site selection. This is according to the international criteria essence with the Middle Eastern status and especially the Lebanese one. The paper showed that the science park in Lebanon should be approached and financed by universities rather than the government. Furthermore, it highlights the criteria for its implementation and proposed the appropriate site.