From Technology Parks to Learning Villages: A Technology Park model for the Global Society

Science and Technology Parks have an important role to play in the Knowledge Economy. We are already witnessing the evolution of the traditional models into new ones. One of the models that will have a greater impact is what could be called a Learning Village. This model comprises three main elements: (i) businesses, (ii) educational centres and (iii) residential areas, and their most important infrastructure will be IT-based. The integration of these three elements will multiply exponentially the efficiency of Technology Parks. The presence of the latest IT-based infrastructure and its extensive, every-dayuse, will enable its inhabitants to live, learn and work in clearly identifiable geographical units, and yet be fully integrated into the new global society. Learning villages will be inhabited by so-called globapolitans with roots.This model may also serve to ensure the interest and loyalty of Science Parks stakeholders, contribute to enhancing the role of Parks as social (and not merely economical) tools, and to ensuring its financial sustainability.