Science and Technology Parks: Superb Environment for Effective Exploitation of Open Innovation

Open Innovation can only be implemented effectively when companies make changes in both the internal and external environments in which their R&D is executed. Science and Technology Parks can create a world class external environment by offering not only suitable physical premises for versatile interaction but also by targeted value adding services, which support the process of adapting Open Innovation. This has been demonstrated in the Innovation Magnet The Best Partner in Open Innovation approach by a Finnish technology centre and business service provider Kuopio Innovation Ltd. The approach is based on an 18-month pilot phase. During the pilot a unique approach was created. This approach combines well set-up Science and Technology Parks, the most enlightened multinational companies, SMEs and the Open Innovation methodology. The Kuopio approach has proved to be highly valuable for both SMEs and large corporations adapting and exploiting Open Innovation.