Utility of Location : A Comparative Survey between Small New Technology-Based Firms Located on and Off Science Parks - Implications for Facilities Management

Facilities management (FM) can enhance theentrepreneurial environment for new technology-based firms that are located inscience parks. It can affect the growth and performance of newtechnology-based firms in their entrepreneurial phase. Two components in facilities management have a significant role for newtechnology-based firms in science parks: the location of the park (with itsprevailing infrastructure and networks) and the set of facilities that willcontribute to the success of the new technology-based firms. Findings are based on 1999 survey results from new technology-based firms inSweden: 134 in science parks and 139 sited off science parks. Facility relatedissues were compared between the two groups. A superior performance amongon-park firms was noted, which is attributed to differences in contractualagreements and solutions for providing facilities. Both groups ranked access to staff as most important. Proximity touniversities was ranked in second place by inside park firms and sixth byoutside park firms. Both groups put access to recruitment of staff as highestpreference. Proximity to a university was found to beespecially importantto inside-park firms. Infrastructure has high significance for both groups, whereas significanceof facilities cost varies. Science parks better support and contractuallymanage networks than do firms in off-park settings. (TNM)