How STP Managers Can Turn Technology Development Activities into Value-added Business Support Programmes and a Very Effective Promotional Asset

Technology and knowledge are recognised as key drivers and strategic components in the mission of STPs. To foster innovation as well as technology, economic and social development, their role is to create bridges and connections between universities and R&D institutions on the one hand, and market-oriented organisations and companies on the other hand. None of those strategic stakeholders should be ignored or left behind in the definition of the value-added services being offered. Therefore, deciding whether to put more emphasis on technology rather than business development or business development rather than technology is both a critical and hard to solve issue for STP managers. However, does a choice really have to be made? This paper illustrates how STPs can actually use internal technology development to support their business activities, while creating tremendous commercial and networking opportunities for their tenant companies and external stakeholders.