Innovative Management: expanding its scope by developing Science and Technology Ecoparks

Innovative management linked to sustainable development of Science and Technology parks, towards an "Ecopark" approach, is an emerging tendency. The "Ecopark" concept is based on the enhancement of the potential for communication, interactions and co-operation between different actors (Companies across the value chain, local/regional government, local community or social actors and research institutions) focused on an optimised use of resources and structuresTraditionally, the main aim of Science and Technology Parks is to promote a culture of innovation, technology transfer and competitiveness in their tenant companies and knowledge-based institutions. Because of market demands, companies in Science and Technology Parks need advanced management models and further developments in technology, safety, environmental impact and relations with social actors, among others.On this basis, the evolution towards sustainable development and the Ecopark approach seems a natural step and the new challenge for Science & Technology parks. The integration of the concept of sustainable development in management activities, together with technological and economic development, is not only limited to the parks themselves but extends to the community where they are located. This advanced and forward-looking approach involves many actors: local communities and authorities, companies and research centres, NGOs and workers associations, together with the Park Management Organisation as a catalysing vehicle.Three IASP members, Bilbao Technology Park, Tampere Technology Centre (TTOY) and Madam Park, have initiated an "Ecopark" approach, through a Project called ECOPADEV, funded by the European Commission (DG XXIII). The project aims to develop new decision-making tools that will promote sustainable development in European cities based on Eco-industrial park strategies.