Organizational configuration and relationship with the environment: case study of the Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto

Abstract

This chapter aims to address science and technology parks as organizational structures that promote links between universities and start-up companies. The authors conducted a case study to the Science and Technology Park of the University of Oporto (UPTEC), based on an interpretative and comprehensive epistemological point of view and a mix-methods approach. The analytical focus was on studying the genesis and development of this STP, its internal organizationfunctional areas and service rangeand its different roles. This case study highlighted the benefits of the development of internal subsystems in a STP, which focused mainly in the incubation role. It also stresses UPTEC as a strong illustration of the triple-helix principles. At the same time, this case presented an imbalance in importance of those subsystems and a lack of result tracking as the biggest challenges faced by this STP.