Influential Role of Science and Technology Parks in Regional Development Based on Knowledge

Region is a geographical area surrounded by specific boarders and characterized by cultural and social activities which consist of political organizations, industrial firms and academic institution1. These institutional structures form the triple helix to enhance regional development. Accordingly, economic development is considered one of the most influential factor(s) in each and every regional development. The knowledge-based economy is composed of knowledge providers, target markets and government which involve the application of knowledge to the industry and response to the market needs to create wealth. Therefore, STP is identified as a regional development platform in a knowledge-based economic development program. This paper explains the roles of science towns and/or science and technology parks as one of the most crucial institutional structures in Knowledge-based economy with a particular reference to the first science and Technology town in Iran-Isfahan region with its distinct socio-economical and geographical situation, Isfahan Science and Technology Town (ISTT).