The role of local innovation capacity in the emergence of a SME-based medical device industry Cluster: an experience in Taiwan

With an aim to enhance innovation capability of a new established Science Park, The Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) Administration has tried a novel method of promotion. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a model whose mechanism is an interaction among government, academy, research institute, health-care institute, and industry. Representing an integration of local innovation capacity, the model could explain how the role of local innovation capacity could play in the emergence of a new industry cluster. The concept of the model came from the experience in promoting the Medical Device Special Zone, located at Kaohsiung Science Park in Taiwan. The decision-making process of STSP Administration is also described in this paper. The authors hopes the new model may inspire our counterpart some innovative idea and thus enriching the missions of Science Park.