sustainability

Article
Evaluating the Collaborative Ecosystem for an
Innovation-Driven Economy: A Systems Analysis
and Case Study of Science Parks
Min-Ren Yan 1 , Kuo-Ming Chien 2 , Lin-Ya Hong 3 and Tai-Ning Yang 1, *
1 Department of International Business Administration, Chinese Culture University, Taipei City 106,
Taiwan; mjyen@sce.pccu.edu.tw
2 Science and Technology Policy Research and Information Center, National Applied Research Laboratories,
Taipei City 106, Taiwan; kmchien@stpi.narl.org.tw
3 Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Goettingen 37073, Germany; linya.hong@stud.uni-goettingen.de
* Correspondence: master@faculty.pccu.edu.tw

Received: 31 December 2017; Accepted: 16 March 2018; Published: 20 March 2018

Abstract: National policies for science parks and innovation have been identified as one of the
major driving forces for the innovation-driven economy, especially for publicly funded science
parks. To investigate this collaborative ecosystem (government-academia-industry) for growth and
sustainable development, this paper proposes a nation-wide economic impact analysis of science
parks and innovation policy based on historical data drawn from one of the globally recognized
high-technology industrial clusters in Taiwan. Systems thinking with causal loop analysis are adopted
to improve our understanding of the collaborative ecosystem with science park policies. First, from a
holistic viewpoint, the role of government in a science parks and innovation ecosystem is reviewed.
A systems analysis of an innovation-driven economy with a science park policy is presented as
a strategy map for policy implementers. Second, the added economic value and employment of
the benchmarked science parks is evaluated from a long range perspective. Third, the concepts of
government-academia-industry collaboration and policies to innovation ecosystem are introduced
while addressing the measures and performance of innovation and applied R&D in the science
parks. We conclude with a discussion of lessons learned and the policy implications of science park
development and an innovation ecosystem.

Keywords: innovation; ecosystem; policy; sustainability; science park; systems thinking

1. Introduction
For decades, an innovation-driven economy has been promoted in different countries as the
major driving force behind development and growth in the world. The success of science parks
has motivated countries around the globe to foster the clustering of the high-tech industry into
parks. The development of these science parks drive regional and economic growth, examples
of which include Silicon Valley in the USA, Cambridge Science Park in the UK, in addition to
parks found in Russia, Israel, India, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and China. The science parks of
Zhongguancun in Beijing, Daedeok Innopolis in Korea, and Hsinchu Science Park in Taiwan are
globally recognized for their connection with public policy and governmental support. In addition,
continuous innovation and ecosystem developments have been identified as the critical driving factors
for industries to compete and thrive under highly intensive global competitions. Since science parks
and innovation policy is generally adopted by government bodies, a nation-wide macro viewpoint is
needed for policy evaluation and the ecosystem should be considered as essential component of the
national/regional economy. The collaboration between government, academia, and industry require a
systems perspective.

Sustainability 2018, 10, 887; doi:10.3390/su10030887 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2018, 10, 887 2 of 13

Recently, the issues of innovation and sustainability have become popular in academic thought.
Several studies and public-private initiatives have highlighted the need to maintain and build
capabilities to support economic growth, create job opportunities, and develop the nation by linking
its capabilities to innovate with ecosystems. The concept of an innovation ecosystem is rooted in the
literature on systems of innovation, building upon the endogenous growth theory that emerged in the
1980s [1] Previous studies show a greater appreciation of the connections among the many innovation
actors. Enumerating the interactions among an ecosystem’s component organizations highlights the
richness and diversity of actors that can, in principle, give rise to emergent behavior [2]. Jackson [3]
observes, “a dynamic innovation ecosystem is characterized by a continual realignment of synergistic
relationships of people, knowledge, and resources that promote harmonious growth of the system in
agile responsiveness to changing internal and external forces.” Rao and Jimenez [4] present case studies
of digital ecosystems at Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA, USA) and Google (Mountain View, CA, USA),
which are online platforms where customers, users, and developers build synergistic relationships,
generating network externalities which increase the value of both hardware and software innovations.
There are also new signs of city-based innovation ecosystems and innovation districts [5].
While the term “innovation ecosystem” can be used to refer to innovation systems within firms,
districts or at a national level, the most common and perhaps most appropriate geography is the
region (or for smaller countries, the country level) in which geographic proximity among actors is a
key attribute of the ecosystem [6]. Thus, innovation ecosystems can be seen as inter-organizational,
political, economic, environmental, and technological systems that are catalyzed, sustained, and
supported. Furthermore, strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem as a whole will improve the
“industrial commons” and leverage resources by helping all manufacturers in the country, not just the
select few [7].
To investigate the government-academia-industry collaborative ecosystem for an innovation-
driven economy, this paper proposes a nation-wide economic impact analysis of science parks and
innovation policy based on historical data drawn from one of the globally recognized high-technology
industrial clusters, the national science parks in Taiwan. Systems thinking with causal loop analysis
are adopted to improve the understanding of the ecosystem and policies of the science parks. Taiwan’s
science parks have become globally recognized examples of science parks that are established for
national prosperity. The policy of facilitating science parks and innovation has made a tremendous
contribution to the development of high-technology industry clusters, the creation of innovation
clusters, and the national economy. The promotion and development of high-technology industries
by the government in the past two decades has been one of the most important factors driving
economic growth. Science parks in Taiwan incubate six major industrial clusters, including the
integrated circuits (IC) industry, the computer & peripherals industry, the telecommunication industry,
the optoelectronics industry, the precision machinery industry, and the biotechnology industry. These
science parks occupy merely 0.1% of the nation’s total land area, but contribute around 16% to the
nation’s overall manufacturing revenue, 40% to its domestic IT industry, 14% to its foreign trade, and
15% of its domestic invention patent output. As key high-technology industry actuators, science parks
act as a source of productivity growth and produce prosperity. Among the industrial clusters, several
IT products and related industry capacities rank in the leading positions worldwide.
By adopting a case study methodology of science parks, this paper systematically evaluates the
ecosystem of government-led science parks, the economic impact of science parks, and innovation
policy with nationwide statistics. First, from a holistic viewpoint, the role of government in science
parks and innovation ecosystem is reviewed. A systems analysis of the innovation-driven economy
with science park policy is presented as a strategy map for policy implementers. Second, the added
economic value and employment in the benchmarked science parks is evaluated from a long range
perspective. Third, the concepts of government-academia-industry collaboration and policies to
innovation ecosystem are introduced, while the measures and performance of innovation and applied
Sustainability 2018, 10, 887 3 of 13

R&D in the science parks are addressed. Based on the research results, lessons learned and policy
implications for science park development and innovation ecosystem are discussed.

2. The Role of Government in a Science Parks and Innovation Ecosystem

One of the major driving forces for the success of science parks in Taiwan are governmental
organizations. As the government’s dedicated scientific and technological development agency,
the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is tasked with three main missions, which include
promoting the development of the nation’s overall science and technology (S&T) sector, supporting
academic research, and developing the science parks. In addition, the National Applied Research
Laboratories (NARLabs) supports MOST’s promotion of national S&T development through its
vision of “global excellence, local impact.” In the area of S&T policy, NARLabs is responsible for the
following developments:

(1) Establishing mid-/long-term S&T trend monitoring and value-added intelligence analysis
capabilities, performing S&T forecasting activities, planning and researching key issues, providing
decision-makers with multifaceted analysis and intelligence on decision-making information.
(2) Establishing capable patent consulting teams and providing up-to-date specialized information.
(3) Assisting and supervising the country’s innovation system operating environment, providing
performance assessment and recommendations for the country’s major programs, and improving
S&T policy governance and the competitiveness of domestic innovation.

With the support of MOST and the NARLabs think tank, policies for science park development
and innovation are consistently promoted in Taiwan, including the development of science parks that
link innovation and the academia-industry.
For more than three decades, the science parks have continually raised the performance standard
of technological progress in Taiwan. By demonstrating successful production approaches and
disseminating technology, the parks have not only improved the nation’s industrial structure and
economic prosperity, but also made a name for Taiwan’s high-tech industries around the globe. Taiwan
currently has three core science parks located in the northern, central, and southern areas. The Hsinchu
Science Park (HSP) was established in 1979 as Taiwan’s first science park. It is the most developed
science park and has the broadest range of industries. The Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) was
founded in 1997. It houses complete clusters of optoelectronic, semiconductor, biotechnology, and
precision machinery companies. The park is also developing industries dedicated to green low-carbon
energy and biotech medical devices. Completed in 2003, the Central Taiwan Science Park (CTSP) is
situated amid a major hub of the precision machinery industry.
In accordance with government policy, these science parks offer dedicated spaces along with
a wide range of professional advisory and resource referral services. In addition to legal, financial,
and accounting advice, these also include technology-business matching advice, marketing assistance,
technical and equipment support, prototype development, and venture capital negotiation. The parks
have also expanded their one-stop service functions to foster an environment conducive to innovation
and entrepreneurialism.

3. Systems Analysis of an Innovation-Driven Economy with Science Park Policy

In this section, systems thinking is administered to identify the relationships that exist among the
ecosystem of an innovation-driven economy. To identify the elements and the relationships between the
elements of the government-academia-industry collaborative ecosystem, a cross-disciplinary research
team was established. Regular meetings and interviews with relevant policy researchers, government
agencies and government-funded industry associations, scholars, and industry practitioners were
conducted, followed by weekly inner team meetings and monthly inter-organizational meetings and
reviews. After the preliminary investigations of the government-academia-industry collaborative
ecosystem and a causal loop analysis, the critical elements, variables, and their inter-relationships
Sustainability 2018, 10, 887 4 of 13

were identified by the research team. Therefore, the proposed causal loop diagrams have a reasonable
foundation, supported by real world practices and peer reviews.
The policy for facilitating collaborative ecosystems aims to understand long range impacts and
sustainable developments. Systems thinking and a long range perspective help to ensure holistic
viewpoints and mapping are applied to policy implications [8]. Previous studies have proposed
that systems analysis can help to better understand and respond to a problem and provide more
comprehensive representation [9,10]. From an operational point of view, the systems thinking
framework describes the behavior of a system by using causal loops diagrams. Reinforcing feedback
loops and balancing feedback loops are identified and the impacts of different feedback loop
mechanisms are discussed below. First, we review the feedback loops and the effects of technological
innovation and business development on economic performance under a market-driven system.
Furthermore, how governmental science park policies can enhance the government-academia-industry
collaborations for innovation-driven economy ecosystem is presented by systems thinking. Policy
implications for facilitating a self-reinforced ecosystem are discussed from the systems perspective.

3.1. Analysis of the Market-Oriented System

Previous studies have proposed that technological innovations and new business model
developments are driving forces for market growth and industrial economics [11,12]. Technological
innovation drives business model development that leads to market development and growth.
Eventually, growth and better economic performance encourages further investment in technological
innovations and reinforces a feedback loop for positive development. Therefore, it is a worthwhile
endeavor to identify the underlying feedback structures that exist between key variables for the
development of science parks and the ecosystem of high technology industries.
In this paper, five conceptual variables identified as key driving forces to the ecosystem
of an innovation-driven economy have been highlighted: (1) technological innovation; (2) the
competitiveness of industry clusters; (3) new business development; (4) market performance; and
(5) government policy. First, the concept of technological innovation consists of investment and the
variety of technological development, relative costs of alternative technology, and government funding
for Research & Development (R&D). Second, the concept of competitiveness of industry clusters
includes the relative competitive advantage of a specific industry cluster (such as the IC cluster) to
drive technological innovation and new business developments. Third, the concept of new business
development describes how the connection of technological innovation can be linked to markets and
business models, or the boundary of new business and government regulation. Fourth, the concept of
market performance consists of market potential, market size (ex: number of adopters and providers),
industry sales and profit, economic performance and efficiency driven by various sources, including
the establishment of a related early-stage complementary infrastructure, a reduction of consumer
learning, network effect, economies of scale, etc. Finally, the consideration of government policy
consists of government support as well as grants to R&D for leading industry, resource allocation
and performance management, regulations, and incentives to business innovations. The relationships
between these key variables are described in the systems analysis and illustrations.
The market-oriented feedback system of technological innovation, business development,
and economic performance is described as shown in Figure 1. Three major reinforcing
feedback loops and their effects have been identified. First, R1 represents a feedback loop that
reinforces the innovation-driven competitiveness through the path. Technological innovations
drive the competitiveness of industry clusters. Enhanced competitiveness drives better economic
performance and better investment in technological innovations that create a reinforcing feedback
to innovation-driven competitiveness in the science parks. Second, R2 represents a reinforcing
feedback loop for innovation-driven business development. This feedback loop functions more on
creating new business opportunities instead of focusing on competitiveness. Technological innovations
drive business development and economic performance. Better economic performance drives better
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business development and economic performance. Better economic performance drives better
investment inintechnological
investment technologicalinnovations
innovations thatthat
create a reinforcing
create feedback
a reinforcing to innovation-driven
feedback growth
to innovation-driven
in the science parks. Third, R3 represents a reinforcing feedback loop for competitiveness
growth in the science parks. Third, R3 represents a reinforcing feedback loop for competitiveness by new
by
business
new development.
business Technological
development. innovations
Technological drive business
innovations development
drive business and the competitiveness
development and the
of industry clusters.
competitiveness Enhanced
of industry competitiveness
clusters. drives better drives
Enhanced competitiveness economic
betterperformance and better
economic performance
investment in technological innovation creates a reinforcing feedback to innovation-driven
and better investment in technological innovation creates a reinforcing feedback to innovation-drivengrowth in
the science
growth parks.
in the science parks.

New Business
Development
Cost of using
alternative tech +
R3 R2
+
- + Market Size
Variety of tech + Competitiveness of
innovation Industry Clusters
+
+
Technological
Innovations
+
R1 + +
Industry sales
Investment on tech
innovation
+

+
+
Economic
performance

Figure 1. The
Figure 1. The market-driven
market-driven reinforcing
reinforcing feedback
feedback system of technological
system of technological innovations,
innovations, business
business
development, and economic
development, and economic performance.
performance.

Based on the aforementioned feedback system, it is recognized that the market mechanism has
Based on the aforementioned feedback system, it is recognized that the market mechanism has
the value to be an incentive to reinforce the development of technology, business innovations, and
the value to be an incentive to reinforce the development of technology, business innovations, and
economic efficiency. However, the market-driven reinforcing feedback system may not automatically
economic efficiency. However, the market-driven reinforcing feedback system may not automatically
sustain itself. Consistent participation by stakeholders to create policies that enhance the ecosystem
sustain itself. Consistent participation by stakeholders to create policies that enhance the ecosystem
are critical aspects of sustainable development.
are critical aspects of sustainable development.
3.2.
3.2. Policy
Policy Analysis
Analysis with
with the
the Ecosystem of Innovation-Driven
Ecosystem of Innovation-Driven Economy
Economy
To promote aa self-reinforced
To promote self-reinforced ecosystem
ecosystem of of innovation-driven
innovation-driven economy
economy with with government-
government-
academia-industry
academia-industry collaborations, the science park policy-enhanced feedback system
collaborations, the science park policy-enhanced feedback system has been
has been
proposed as shown in Figure 2. Three policy implications to enhance the ecosystem
proposed as shown in Figure 2. Three policy implications to enhance the ecosystem and sustainable and sustainable
innovation-driven economic development
innovation-driven economic development have have been
been identified.
identified. First,
First, grants
grants toto leading
leading industry
industry R&D
R&D
could
could continuously enhance the reinforcing feedback loops for technological innovation and its and
continuously enhance the reinforcing feedback loops for technological innovation its
further
further impact. Accordingly, reinforcing feedback loops R1-1, R2-1, R3-1
impact. Accordingly, reinforcing feedback loops R1-1, R2-1, R3-1 could be sustained to strengthen could be sustained to
strengthen
the feedback theeffects
feedback effects of innovation-driven
of innovation-driven competitiveness,
competitiveness, business development,
business development, and economic and
economic performance. Second, a momentum of concentrated resource
performance. Second, a momentum of concentrated resource allocation for performance management allocation for performance
management
could strengthen could
thestrengthen the innovation-driven
innovation-driven competitiveness competitiveness of industry
of industry clusters clusters
by forming the by forming
reinforcing
the reinforcing feedback loop R1-2. It is an intuitively reasonable practice
feedback loop R1-2. It is an intuitively reasonable practice that governmental resources, such as that governmental
resources,
budget andsuch as budget
market channels,andwill
market channels,
be allocated will be allocated
to successful businessto models
successful withbusiness models with
certain performance
certain performance
characteristics. characteristics.
However, However,
from the systems from the systems
perspective, it mustperspective,
be noted that it must be notedpractice
the common that the
common practice might induce two balancing feedback loops (B2-2 and B3-2)
might induce two balancing feedback loops (B2-2 and B3-2) that could possibly restrict the development that could possibly
restrict
of new the development
business and new oftechnological
new business innovations.
and new technological innovations.on
While concentrating While concentrating
established businesson
established
models withbusiness
established models with established
technology applications, technology applications,
less opportunities less business
for new opportunities for new
development
business development and a higher opportunity cost for alternative technologies might be incurred
Sustainability2018,
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and become a resistance to further innovation. This counter intuitive feedback structure should be
carefully
and considered
a higher opportunityandcost
resolved with other
for alternative kinds of might
technologies systems approaches.
be incurred Third, government
and become a resistance
regulations
to and incentives
further innovation. This to business
counter innovations
intuitive feedbackcould help to should
structure strengthen the reinforcing
be carefully feedback
considered and
loops and
resolved deal
with with
other the of
kinds possible
systemspolicy resistance
approaches. for government
Third, an innovation-driven
regulationseconomy. While
and incentives
technological
to innovations
business innovations and new
could help business developments
to strengthen are usually
the reinforcing required
feedback loops inand
cross-disciplinary
deal with the
thinkingpolicy
possible and out-of-boundary
resistance for an actions, appropriate
innovation-driven deregulations
economy. and incentives
While technological to innovative
innovations andideas
new
and business
business models are
developments areessential
usually parts of the
required eco-innovation system.
in cross-disciplinary Reinforcing
thinking feedback loops
and out-of-boundary R1-
actions,
3 and R2-3deregulations
appropriate are intendedand to incentives
strengthentothe positiveideas
innovative development of continuous
and business innovation
models are essential in
parts
technology and new business development. Furthermore, a balancing feedback
of the eco-innovation system. Reinforcing feedback loops R1-3 and R2-3 are intended to strengthenloop B3-3 could be
formed
the to reduce
positive the policy
development resistance to
of continuous the cost in
innovation of technology
alternative and
technology, so thatdevelopment.
new business a variety of
technology and
Furthermore, further innovations
a balancing feedback loop are encouraged.
B3-3 could be formed to reduce the policy resistance to the
cost of alternative technology, so that a variety of technology and further innovations are encouraged.

B3-2
Cost of using +
alternative tech
-
B3-3 B2-2
R2-3 Concentrated resource
+ -
New Business allocation and momentum
+ Development
Governmental incentives R1-2 +
to business innovations +

+ +
+ Market Size
R2-1 +
R1-3 + Competitiveness of
Industry Clusters

+
Technological
+
- Innovations
+
Variety of tech + +
R3-1
innovation + Industry sales
+
Investment on tech
innovation
+
+
Grants to R&D on
+
leading industry
+ +
R1-1 Economic
performance

Figure 2. The eco-system of an innovation-driven economy

economy with
with aa science
science park
park policy.
policy.

4. The
4. The Economic
Economic Impact
Impact of
of aa Science
Science Park
Park Policy
Policy
In this
In thissection,
section,
thethe contributions
contributions of science
of science parks
parks to to national
national economiceconomic
development development and
and industrial
industrial
chains chains arebased
are analyzed analyzed
on thebased on the
statistics statistics
provided byprovided by the Directorate-General
the Directorate-General of Budget,
of Budget, Accounting
and Statistics, Executive Yuan, Taiwan. Government policy has facilitated the focus onfocus
Accounting and Statistics, Executive Yuan, Taiwan. Government policy has facilitated the scienceon
science
park park developments
developments in the pastindecades.
the past Thedecades. The three
three science science
parks have parks but
different have different but
complementary
complementary
focal focal points
points of industrial of industrial development.
development. They mainly They promote mainly
the promote the sixofindustries
six industries integrated of
integrated circuits, computers and peripherals, telecommunications, optoelectronics,
circuits, computers and peripherals, telecommunications, optoelectronics, precision machinery, and precision
machinery, and
biotechnology. biotechnology.
Among these focusedAmong
industries,these focused
integrated industries,
circuits integrated have
and optoelectronics circuits and
become
optoelectronics have become the largest core industries. In 2014, integrated circuits
the largest core industries. In 2014, integrated circuits brought in the highest sales among all industries brought in the
highest sales among all industries at the HSP, while optoelectronics and integrated
at the HSP, while optoelectronics and integrated circuits together contributed 93% and 95% to sales at circuits together
contributed
the STSP and93% CTSP,and 95% to sales
respectively. Asatthethefeedback
STSP and CTSP, described
structure respectively. As the 3,
in Section feedback structure
government-led
described in Section 3, government-led science parks continuously receive
science parks continuously receive resources and grants to R&D, leading industry performance resources and grants to
R&D,
and leading industry
incentivizing businessperformance
innovation. and incentivizing
Therefore, business innovation.
technological innovations,Therefore, technological
the competitiveness of
innovations,
industry the and
clusters, competitiveness of industry clusters,
new business developments and newsupported
are continuously businesstodevelopments
drive growth and are
continuously
economic supported to drive growth and economic performance.
performance.
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4.1. Economic Added Values and International Trades of Science Parks
4.1. Economic Added Values and International Trades of Science Parks
In this section, the effect of the high-technology industries in the science parks on national
economic In this section, the effect
development of the high-technology
is evaluated industries in the
by sales and international science
trades. Asparks
shown oninnational
Figureeconomic
3, in terms
development is evaluated by sales and international trades. As shown in Figure
of the total sales of science parks from 2004 to 2016, 176% growth is observed in terms of operations3, in terms of the total
sales of science parks from 2004 to 2016, 176% growth is observed in terms of operations
scale in the three major science parks. HSP has the largest number of sales in this area over the other scale in the threetwo.
majorthe
Given science parks.
fact that HSP HSP has first
is the the largest
sciencenumber of sales in
park initiated inthis area over
Taiwan, andthe other two. Given
is recognized globallythe as
factone
of that
the HSP
mostisintensive
the first science park initiated
semiconductor in Taiwan,
areas, and is recognized
it has undergone a longglobally
historyasofone of the most intensive
development of science
semiconductor areas, it has undergone a long history of development
and technology and become the major spot for the high technology industries in northern of science and technologyTaiwan.
and
become the major spot for the high technology industries in northern Taiwan. Based on its successful
Based on its successful experience, both the STSP and CTSP were consecutively initiated as latecomers.
experience, both the STSP and CTSP were consecutively initiated as latecomers. It is observed that CTSP
It is observed that CTSP and STSP are growing steadily, while HSP is maintaining the largest market.
and STSP are growing steadily, while HSP is maintaining the largest market. At present, HSP covers six
At present, HSP covers six locations—the Hsinchu, Zhunan, Tongluo, Longtan, and Yilan parks as well
locations—the Hsinchu, Zhunan, Tongluo, Longtan, and Yilan parks as well as the Hsinchu Biomedical
as the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park—that span a total area of nearly 1400 hectares. These parks
Science Park—that span a total area of nearly 1400 hectares. These parks must be continuously promoted
must be continuously
by reinforcing promoted
drive forces bycautious
that are reinforcing drive forces
of balancing loopsthat
whichareconcentrate
cautious ofresource
balancing loops and
allocation which
concentrate resource allocation and
draw momentum from new business developments. draw momentum from new business developments.

HSP CTSP STSP Total

23764
23248 23084
21553 21875

19709 20041
19051
18416
17515
15857

14016
13454
11869 11633
11214 11463 11124
10859 11012
10346 10588 10395
9880 10079
8835
8295
7151
6058 6219 6151 6394
5588 5475 5794
4516 4610
3527
5220 4921 5074
2594 4599
3625
2911 3233
2657 2861
2411
1785
1 608
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
2004
0.5 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Figure3.3.The
Figure Thetotal
totalsales
salesof
ofscience
science parks from
from 2004
2004to
to2016.
2016.(Unit:
(Unit:100
100 Million
Million NTD).
NTD).

ToTo evaluate
evaluate the the relative
relative position
position of Taiwanese
of Taiwanese sciencescience
parks inparks in the
the global global
market andmarket and
international
international supply chains, sales in international trades and exports could be one
supply chains, sales in international trades and exports could be one of the performance indices. of the performance
indices. As shown in Figure 4, a 10 year trend of growth in total sales has been observed (from 2007–
As shown in Figure 4, a 10 year trend of growth in total sales has been observed (from 2007–2016).
2016). The results support the theoretical systems analysis that reinforcing feedback loops drive
The results support the theoretical systems analysis that reinforcing feedback loops drive continuous
continuous growth. Specifically, international trades and exports reflect the competitiveness of the
growth. Specifically, international trades and exports reflect the competitiveness of the industry
industry clusters in the science parks and the linkage with the broader marketplace. The global
clusters in the science parks and the linkage with the broader marketplace. The global economy
economy tipped into recession in 2015, which led the annual growth rates of total trades and export
tipped into recession in 2015, which led the annual growth rates of total trades and export trades to
trades to decline in Taiwan. However, the share of export trades in total trades have gradually
decline in Taiwan.
increased However, for
and accounted the more
share of export
than 50%trades in total
in recent trades
years. have
This gradually
fact indicatesincreased
the high and
accounted for moreofthan
competitiveness 50% in
Taiwan, recent
and showsyears.
thatThis
thesefact indicatesare
industries thenot
highonly
competitiveness of Taiwan,
capable of satisfying
and shows that these industries are not only capable of satisfying domestic
domestic demand but also overseas high-end consumers. This shows an international trend indemand but also overseas
our
high-end consumers. This shows an international trend in our total trades as well.
total trades as well. As to the average performance of science parks, the share of exports trades As to the average
in
performance
total trades of sciencethan
is higher parks,
60%,the shareisof
which exports
65.5% trades
in 2015. Theinstatistical
total trades is higher
evidence than
shows 60%, which
positive effect is
65.5% in 2015. The statistical
of governmental policies inevidence showsdevelopment,
science parks’ positive effectwhich
of governmental policies
boost high export in science parks’
performance in
development,
science parkswhich boost high export performance in science parks annually.
annually.
Sustainability 2018, 10, 887 8 of 13
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Total HSP
25000 25000

20000 20000

15000 15000

10000 10000

5000 5000

0 0
2007
1 2008
2 2009
3 2010
4 2011
5 2012
6 2013
7 2014
8 2015
9 2016
10 2007
1 2008
2 2009
3 2010
4 2011
5 2012
6 2013
7 2014
8 2015
9 2016
10

STSP CTSP
25000 25000
International trades
20000 20000
Exports
15000 15000

10000 10000

5000 5000

0 0
2007
1 2008
2 2009
3 2010
4 2011
5 2012
6 2013
7 2014
8 2015
9 2016
10 2007
1 2008
2 2009
3 2010
4 2011
5 2012
6 2013
7 2014
8 2015
9 2016
10

Figure 4. Internal
Figure trades
4. Internal and
trades exports
and exportsofofscience
science parks from2007
parks from 2007toto2016.
2016. (Unit:
(Unit: 100100 Million
Million NTD).
NTD).

Among Amongthe the

various
various export
export trade
tradeitems,
items, the
the top threeexports
top three exportsofof HSPHSP werewere
(1) (1) wafers
wafers of other
of other
monolithic digital integrated circuits; (2) other hybrid integrated circuits; and
monolithic digital integrated circuits; (2) other hybrid integrated circuits; and (3) other monolithic (3) other monolithic
digital integrated
digital circuits.
integrated The
circuits. Thetoptopthree
threeexports
exports of CTSP
CTSPwerewere(1) (1)thin
thin film
film transistor
transistor liquid
liquid crystal
crystal
display
display devices
devices (TFT-LCD);
(TFT-LCD); (2) indicator
(2) indicator panelspanels incorporating
incorporating thinthin
filmfilm transistor
transistor liquid
liquid crystal
crystal display
display
devices devices (TFT-LCD);
(TFT-LCD); and (3) chips andof(3)dynamic
chips of random
dynamic access
randommemory
access memory
integratedintegrated
circuitscircuits
(DRAM).
(DRAM). The top three exports of STSP were (1) wafers of other monolithic digital
The top three exports of STSP were (1) wafers of other monolithic digital integrated circuits; (2) parts integrated circuits;
(2) parts of liquid crystal devices; and (3) other parts suitable for use solely or principally with the
of liquid crystal devices; and (3) other parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of
apparatus of heading nos. 85.25 to 85.28.
heading nos. 85.25 to 85.28.
The results consistently suggest that the effects of high-technology industries in the science parks
The results consistently suggest that the effects of high-technology industries in the science
not only contributes significant economic value to Taiwan as a domestic market but also promotes
parksindustrial
not onlyand contributes
technological significant
upgradeseconomic
to better value to Taiwan
fit Taiwan as a domestic
in the global economic market
system. but
The also
promotes industrial
collaborative and technological
ecosystem consisting ofupgrades to better
technological fit Taiwan
innovations, new in the global
business economicand
development, system.
The collaborative ecosystem
industrial upgrades consisting
is a reinforcing of technological
feedback innovations,
loop that drives growth. new business development,
and industrial upgrades is a reinforcing feedback loop that drives growth.
4.2. Number of Firms and Employment of Science Parks
4.2. Number of Firms
Science and Employment
parks could drive ofeconomic
Science Parks
development and social welfare by facilitating
entrepreneurial
Science firmsdrive
parks could and by providing
economic more employment
development opportunities.
and social welfare byThe total number
facilitating of firms
entrepreneurial
in the science parks has steadily increased to 905, while IC firms, Optoelectronic firms, and
firms and by providing more employment opportunities. The total number of firms in the science
Biotechnology firms are the major categories of enterprises. Accordingly, more job opportunities
parks has steadily increased to 905, while IC firms, Optoelectronic firms, and Biotechnology firms are
were opened and the total number of employment in the science parks has significantly increased.
the majorFrom
categories of enterprises. Accordingly, more job opportunities were opened and the total
a systems perspective, employment is not just for creating job opportunities but for the
number of employment
human in the technology
capital that drives science parksandhas significantly
business increased.
innovations. A positive reinforcing feedback
From
between human capital and a firms’ competitiveness should be creating
a systems perspective, employment is not just for jobAsopportunities
recognized. shown in Figure but5, for
in the
human capital that drives technology and business innovations. A positive reinforcing
2004–2013, employees of the integrated circuits industry make up around 45–50%, Employees of the feedback
computers
between human & capital
peripherals
andindustry
a firms’are around 5–6% of all
competitiveness the employees
should of scienceAs
be recognized. parks.
shownEmployees
in Figure 5,
of the telecommunications
in 2004–2013, industry make
employees of the integrated up industry
circuits around 3–4%.makeEmployees
up aroundof the opto-electronics
45–50%, Employees of the
industry
computers & make up around
peripherals 35–38%.
industry areEmployees
around 5–6%of theofprecision machinery industry
all the employees of sciencemake up around
parks. Employees
4–5%. Employees of the biotechnology industry make up around 2%. In 2013, researchers accounted
of the telecommunications industry make up around 3–4%. Employees of the opto-electronics industry
for around 11.3% of total employees in science parks. Based on 2013 statistics, the total number of
make up around 35–38%. Employees of the precision machinery industry make up around 4–5%.
employment in the science parks accounts for about 2.3% of the total number of employment in
Employees of the biotechnology industry make up around 2%. In 2013, researchers accounted for
around 11.3% of total employees in science parks. Based on 2013 statistics, the total number of
employment in the science parks accounts for about 2.3% of the total number of employment in
Taiwan. However, 2.3% of the labor force was able to contribute about 15% of the total GDP in Taiwan.
Sustainability 2018, 10, 887 9 of 13
Sustainability 2018, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 13

Taiwan.
The resultsHowever, 2.3%
significantly of the laborthe
demonstrate force was
high ableand
value to contribute about 15%
added economic of the
impact totaltechnology
of high GDP in
Taiwan. The results significantly demonstrate the high value and added economic impact of high
industries in the science parks of Taiwan. Higher levels of income for the employees in the science
technology industries in the science parks of Taiwan. Higher levels of income for the employees in
parks is observed, as are the subsequent benefits.
the science parks is observed, as are the subsequent benefits.

Total IC Telecom. 247668

238930
231973
213665
195418 197023 195394
176669
159048
146613

111474 111811 114156

100687 103041
92994 92546
81996
74136 75129

89292 94511
83925
74853 70647 76181
67742 65617
59569
47833

2004
1 2005
2 2006
3 2007
4 2008
5 2009
6 2010
7 2011
8 2012
9 2013
10

Opto-elec. Computer & Peripherals

Precision Machinery Biotech.
14109
13349 13550
12790 12981 12687 12782 12971 12722
12518

5769
5118
4420
3193
2198 2602
1658 1804 1909 1961

2004
1 2005
2 2006
3 2007
4 2008
5 2009
6 2010
7 2011
8 2012
9 2013
10

Figure
Figure 5. 5. Employmentininthe
Employment thescience
science parks
parks and industry
industryclusters
clustersfrom
from2004
2004toto2013.
2013.(Unit: person).
(Unit: person).

5. 5. InnovationofofHigh
Innovation HighTechnology
TechnologyIndustries
Industries in
in the
the Science
Science Parks
Parks
The importance of technological innovation has been explained by the three reinforcing feedback
The importance of technological innovation has been explained by the three reinforcing feedback
loops in the systems analysis section. The innovation of high technology industries in Taiwan has
loops in the systems analysis section. The innovation of high technology industries in Taiwan has been
been continuously facilitated by a government policy intended to strengthen academia-industry links
continuously facilitated by a government policy intended to strengthen academia-industry links and
and innovation. Academia-industry cooperative research matches the advanced and practical
innovation. Academia-industry cooperative research matches the advanced and practical technologies
technologies and knowledge applications present in universities with the needs of private-sector
and knowledge applications present in universities with the needs of private-sector businesses. These
businesses. These projects develop the R&D capabilities of educational and research institutions
projects
while develop
encouragingthe R&D capabilities
companies of educational
to participate and research applied
in university-based institutions whileprojects.
research encouraging
To
companies
promote the collaboration of highly innovative research projects, MOST defines the scope of research of
to participate in university-based applied research projects. To promote the collaboration
highly innovative
results researchoptional
and establishes projects,models
MOST fordefines the scope
technology of research
transfer results and
authorization, establishes
thus optional
increasing the
models for technology
effectiveness transfer authorization,
of academia-industry thus
cooperation. In increasing
2014, a totalthe effectiveness
of 813 of academia-industry
projects received government
cooperation.
funding, 852 In companies
2014, a total of 813 projects
participated, received
NT$328 government
million was raisedfunding, 852 companies
in corporate participated,
matching funds, and
NT$328 million was
2095 graduate raisedreceived
students in corporate matching
training. funds,the
To develop andR&D2095 graduate
capacity andstudents receivedsystem
eco-innovation training.
Tofor
develop thetechnology
the high R&D capacity and eco-innovation
industries in Taiwan, thesystem forinnovation
following the high technology industries
policies were in Taiwan,
promoted:
the(1)
following innovation policies were promoted:
PIONEER Grants for AIC: MOST has been jointly funding the PIONEER Grants for Frontier
(1) Technologies
PIONEER Development
Grants by Academia-Industry
for AIC: MOST has been jointlyCooperation
funding thewith the Ministry
PIONEER Grantsof Economic
for Frontier
Affairs since 2013 to encourage international and regionally leading firms to form alliances
Technologies Development by Academia-Industry Cooperation with the Ministry of Economic and
engage in cooperative research with universities.
Affairs since 2013 to encourage international and regionally leading firms to form alliances and
engage in cooperative research with universities.
Sustainability 2018, 10, 887 10 of 13

(2) Minor Alliance Projects: Academia-Industry Technological Alliance Projects make use of
university researchers’ technological capabilities and encourage professors to establish core
technology laboratories as a bridge to industry users. Funded by MOST since 2013, these projects
encourage academic organizations to build laboratories centered on their research as a new
platform for academia-industry collaboration.
(3) From IP to IPO: The purpose of this program is to encourage the establishment of startups
by young researchers, promote an innovative, entrepreneurial culture at universities and
research organizations, and to foster an environment for the industrialization of R&D results
and innovations.
(4) Germination Program: The program accelerates technological diffusion by helping scientific
research organizations establish mechanisms for the promotion and use of R&D results.
(5) Industrial Fundamental Technology Projects: The program brings together academic and
industrial resources to reinforce the technical foundations of Taiwan’s manufacturing industry.
(6) Applied Research Incubation Projects: The program promotes biotechnology integration and
an incubation mechanism to evaluate, construct, and connect R&D capabilities along Taiwan’s
biotech value chain.

5.1. The R&D Intensity for Innovation

Previous studies have proposed that R&D is a key factor for the ability of high-tech firms to
compete and thrive under intensive global competition [13–15]. Empirical studies on R&D intensive
firms and high-tech industry clusters have proved that higher production economies add value [16,17].
There has been a rising interest in the relationship between research and development (R&D) and
firm performance in the high-tech industry. Owing to the intensive competition and rapid advances in
innovation, high-tech firms must invest in R&D to maintain or strengthen their market competitiveness.
Previous studies [18–20] have argued that R&D is a driving force for productivity, and others have
claimed that R&D efforts help to capture market share [21,22] and contribute to the profitability of
firms [23,24].
The R&D capacity and performance in science parks has played a leading role in Taiwan. Based
on the research of the “National Science and Technology survey” from 2009 to 2014, the number of
R&D personnel accounts for around 20% of the total employees of private sectors in science parks,
and private R&D expenditure in science parks accounts for 40% of the manufacturing industry’s R&D
expenditure in Taiwan (as shown in Table 1). In addition, U.S. patents obtained by enterprises in
science parks account for over 30% of those obtained by Taiwanese enterprises; and among top ten
Taiwanese enterprises who obtain U.S. patents, over 60% are enterprises in science parks.
In summary, the total R&D expenditure in the science parks accounts for more than 48% of the
total R&D expenditure in the high technology industries in Taiwan. These significant results suggest
the importance of science park developments for the high technology industrial clusters in Taiwan,
where R&D expenditure and technological innovations are critical functions.

Table 1. R&D Personnel and R&D expenditure of Science Parks.

Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Item
R&D Personnel of Science Parks 37,563 42,214 44,560 45,457 47,789 50,773
(Units: Persons) (19.14%) *a −19.68% −19.13% −18.95% −18.51% −19.67%
932.56 1011.13 1081.20 1124.07 1243.97 1352.95
R&D Expenditure of Science Parks
(5.9%) *b −4.70% −5.70% −5.60% −5.70% −5.80%
(Unit: a Hundred Million NTD) (39.7%) *c −39.30% −39.30% −38.60% −39.80% −40.00%
*a : Percentage of R&D Personnel of science parks in total numbers of employees in science parks (scientific industries
only) during the year. *b : Percentage of R&D Expenditure of science parks in sales of science parks during the year.
*c : Percentage of R&D Expenditure of science parks in R&D Expenditure of the Taiwan Manufacturing Industry
(private sectors) during the year.
Sustainability 2018, 10, 887 11 of 13

5.2. Patent Developments and Innovation

Similar to the R&D efforts, previous studies have proposed that patents act in an intermediary
role that may protect innovations, creativities, and R&D outcomes, contributing to the profitability of
firms [23]. Based on statistical results, the number of patents granted by the United States Patent and
Trademark Office (USPTO) in science parks has steadily increased from 2011 to 2016. Furthermore,
compared with all of the numbers of patents granted by the USPTO in Taiwan, the percentage of
patents granted by the USPTO in science parks accounts for more than 30%, and that percentage is
up to 49.5% in 2016 (as shown in Table 2). From a world-wide perspective, it is recognized that the
Business Enterprise R&D Expenditure as a Percentage of Value Added in Industry in Taiwan is higher
than in China but lower than some other countries with government-led science parks, such as the
USA, Japan, and Korea. The results suggest the effectiveness of the eco-innovation system and the
development of patents in the science parks in Taiwan.

Table 2. Patents Granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Item 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Number of patents granted 2327 2964 3023 4156 4630 5137
by USPTO in Science Parks (32.2%) *d (35.1%) (31.4%) (36.7%) (38.5%) (49.5%)
*d : Percentage of numbers of patents granted by USPTO in Science Parks in numbers of patents granted by USPTO
in Taiwan.

6. Conclusions
To promote science and technology polices and innovation-driven industrial developments,
public policy makers need to continuously evaluate the economic impacts and innovations with
comprehensive performance indicators. Most importantly, policies for facilitating economic
development add value, and innovations are the critical driving forces on the government side.
However, a systems perspective is required to recognize the underlying feedback structure of the
ecosystem and is a promising approach into the sustainable development of science parks and the
innovation-driven economy. Government policy that facilitates positive effects on technological
innovations, business development, market competitiveness, and economic performance must be
specifically identified with reinforcing feedback loops in the ecosystem. In addition, regulations
and incentives to business innovation should not only focus on the reinforcing feedback system
but the balancing feedback loops that reduce the policy resistance for innovations as well. Policy
implications could thus be systematically discussed and evaluated using systems analysis from a
holistic point of view. In this paper, five conceptual variables identified as key driving forces to
the ecosystem of the innovation-driven economy have been highlighted with a causal loop analysis.
The concepts of economic added values, international trades, employment, R&D intensity, and patent
development are applied to a case study of the economic impact and innovation of science parks in
Taiwan, which is an addition to the theoretical and practical contributions to the development of the
high-technology industries.
Using the benchmarked case study in this paper and applying the lessons learned, we have
discovered policy implications that are not limited to Taiwan and applicable for science parks
willing to facilitate an ecosystem supported by government participation. Especially for science
parks with strong government support, the proposed systems analysis and performance evaluation
provides a comprehensive perspective for supporting the innovation-driven economy and the
performance evaluation of industrial incubation policies. From a macro standpoint, the integrated
economic perspective must be incorporated into the list of factors used for the establishment of
nationwide policies that control choice of industry, segmentations, and ecosystem developments.
Our research results suggest that a national science parks policy can foster successful development
of high-technology industries with significant economic benefit and R&D performance. Although
Sustainability 2018, 10, 887 12 of 13

many types of science parks could be funded, the development of government-led science parks
is one of the significant types found around the world and worth further investigation. Several
policy implications for improving innovation-driven ecosystems are identified based on the proposed
systems analysis and case study of science parks. First, a nationwide macro viewpoint is needed
for the planning of innovation-driven industrial developments, while the concept of a collaborative
ecosystem should be embedded in public policies. Second, when governmental agencies consider
high-technology industries to be a national/regional economy, an appropriate economic and innovation
index system can better represent the contributions of the high-technology industries and lead the
growth strategies. Third, a proper industrial clustering mechanism and innovation ecosystem can
further facilitate the high-technology industries to reach the status of an upgraded economy. Fourth,
a systems understanding of the underlying feedback structure of innovation-driven ecosystem is
important so as to identify the critical success factors and trends necessary for economic development.
The utilization of reinforcing and balancing feedback loop analysis could help systematically reinforce
growth opportunities and policy resistance. The proposed policy implications including R&D grants
for leading industry, resource allocation and performance management, and regulations and incentives
to business innovations should lead to improvements in science parks and high-technology industrial
development. More innovative and practical indices that accommodate the integration of economy
and innovation for specific industrial requirements are recommended for future research.

Acknowledgments: This research has been supported by research grants from the Ministry of Science and
Technology in Taiwan. Special thanks to the supports from Science and Technology Policy Research and
Information Center (STPI), National Applied Research Laboratories (NARL) for interviews and empirical
data collection.
Author Contributions: Min-Ren Yan mainly proposed the research design, the preparation of empirical data
collection, interviews, and writing of this study. Kuo-Ming Chien participated in the research design, data
collection, and case study. Lin-Ya Hong and Tai-Ning Yang participated in the case study and the writing of partial
contents and revisions.
Conflicts of Interest: All the authors declare no conflict of interest in this paper. The funding supports do not
influence the analysis and conclusions obtained in this study.

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