Host University engagement with Science Parks and Areas of Innovation for the 4th Industrial Revolution

The importance of the ‘science—entrepreneurship relationship has gained in importance in giving science its modern economic value. This gives opportunity-entrepreneurs a special place in the knowledge economy that underpins the 4th industrial revolution (4IR). ‘Place’ in terms of economic, physical and network assets have also has also been increasingly recognised as characteristics that can help to foster this relationship. Universities have also been shown to play a valuable role helping to add value to ‘place’.  This paper reports on university – science park links that have been developed over the last 35 years in the University of Surrey – Surrey Research Park complex based on a study of the ecosystem that looks back over data on links in the last 4 years and gives insights into how the University’s Knowledge Transfer functions are being adapted to place itself at the centre of relevant technologies in the 4IR.