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There is a great imbalance in the distribution of the scientific resources in the world. It has been established that 95% of new science in the world is created in the countries comprising only one-fifth of the world’s population, the remaining four-fifths contributing just 5% of new science. This unbalanced distribution of scientific activity generates serious problems not only for the scientific community in the developing countries but also for the economic development of these countries. Unfortunately, we have no exact information about the distribution of science and technology parks around the world. But we believe that their distribution follows the pattern of the distribution in general of scientific resources.
UNESCO’s strategies have been developed around this problem with the objective of providing developing countries with an appropriate solution for development of their science, technology and innovation. Our approach is based on the triple helix model of innovation, with converging institutional spheres of academia. It is a spiral model of innovation that captures multiple reciprocal relationships at different points in the process of knowledge capitalization. Based on our understanding, there are three important dimensions of transformation in the triple helix cooperation. The first dimension of the triple helix model is internal transformation in each of the helices, such as the development of lateral ties among companies through strategic alliances or an assumption of an economic development mission by universities. The second is the influence of one helix upon another, for example, the role of the government in instituting an indirect industrial policy, R&D policy at university, etc. When the rules of the game for the disposition of intellectual property produced from government sponsored research were changed, technology transfer activities spread to a much broader range of universities, resulting in the emergence of an academic technology transfer profession. The third dimension is the creation of a new overlay of trilateral networks and organizations from the interaction among the three helices, formed for the purpose of coming up with new ideas and formats for high-tech development.
A transformation in the functions of university, industry, and government is taking place, as each institution can assume the role of the other. Under certain circumstances, the university can take the role of industry, helping to form new firms in incubator facilities. Government can take the role of industry, helping to support these new developments through funding programs and changes in the regulatory environment. Industry can take the role of the university in developing training and research, often at the same high level as universities. The details of UNESCO’s strategy in promoting the development of science and technology parks in developing countries are reflected in its activities, which have been conducted especially over the past six years.
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Science Policy
