Measuring the success of science parks by means of a performance measurement system

This paper provides an overview of a PhD project. The research was carried out between 2010 and 2014. The purpose of this research was to understand how to define success (organisational goals) and consequently how to measure multi-dimensional performance using a theory grounded performance measurement system (PMS) in a knowledge intensive and multi-owner organisation, being a science park (SP). Moreover, it identifies a gap between what is already measured and what SPs consider as being the most important to measure. Furthermore, it proposes a common methodology, which allows for customisation of performance measurement tool according to the ownership models of SPs and their strategic priorities. The research supports the hypothesis that the ownership model of an SP is a key determinant of its appropriate performance measures. The empirical part of this research consisted of two steps, first an exploratory part with action research and second, a validation stage with survey research.