Frequently asked questions
What is TEKEL?
The Finnish Science Park Association TEKEL is a supervisor of interests for Finnish science parks, as well as being an expert on them and a developer of them. Together with its member centres, it forms a nationwide TEKEL network, which is part of the national innovation system. (Click here for further information about TEKEL and the TEKEL network.)
What does TEKEL do?
Together with its partners, TEKEL develops internationally attractive environments for innovation. It is in charge of co-operation within the TEKEL network, promotes science park development, participates in the implementation of nationwide programmes, and actively develops significant national and international networks.
In particular, the association co-operates with government ministries, key research institutes, business development organisations, and promoters of internationalisation, commerce and finance. It represents Finnish science parks in fields of international co-operation, such as the International Association of Science Parks (IASP).
Who owns TEKEL?
TEKEL is an independent co-operative body for Finnish science parks. The main power of decision in TEKEL is used at the association's spring and autumn meetings, where each member centre is represented. Implementation of decisions is the responsibility of the Board of Directors. (Click here for a diagram of the TEKEL organisation).
Who can become a member of TEKEL?
TEKEL’s member centres carry out science park activity in their regions, so that the various functions of the science park concept are performed either through individual organisations or in co-operation between several. When examining potential new memberships, attention is paid to such factors as the role and prerequisites of the applicant to implement the science park concept in its area.
Application for membership of the association can be made in a letter addressed to the board. The board decides on the selection of new members.
(Click here for further information about the science park concept and membership, and the TEKEL list of members).
What does TEKEL membership mean for a science park?
The TEKEL network co-operates to develop internationally attractive innovation environments. The key elements of co-operation are the production and development of office facilities, operating environments and science park services, business development and national and regional development projects and programmes.
In the TEKEL network, members are part of a nationwide network of science parks. Members participate in the work of teams that develop the above-mentioned areas of focus, and in different committees, events and national and international bench-marking work. Members of the network co-operate to implement national projects and programmes. A key tool in network co-operation, -management and -reporting is TekelNYT, the network’s electronic forum. (Click here for further information about network and programme co-operation).
What is a science park?
Three key functions are acknowledged in the science park concept:
- business development, entrepreneurship for growth and the creation of new technology-intensive business
- national and regional development programmes and projects, and the organisation of their planning and implementation, and
- the creation and development of business premises, working environments and science park services.
In its own area, a science park will perform all three of these functions. In many regions, the science park concept is also carried out in co-operation between several science parks and technology centres.
In Finland, the internal and operational structure of science parks and their areas of focus vary from region to region. The focuses of expertise also vary, which is evident in the different emphases that the centres place on their activities.
In addition to expertise in the science park concept, key features of activity also include a broad interface with business, networking, strong co-operation with institutes of higher education and the development of internationalisation.
Who owns science parks?
Finnish science parks are independent companies established to take advantage of regional strengths. In their creation, different progress models have been used in different locations. The force to get them started has often been provided by a university or municipality. Typically, it has been a question of the joining of forces by many different stakeholder groups.
The ownership structure of science parks varies from place to place. The ownership base often consists of companies, universities, municipalities, financing bodies, organisations, foundations and private investors. Towns and municipalities form the largest ownership group amongst the companies operating in science parks. Technopolis plc, a stock market-listed company, is the largest owner of science park facilities.
More detailed information about the ownership structure of individual science parks is available at the parks' own websites. (Click here for a list of member centres with contact information)
What benefits exist for an entrepreneur operating in a science park?
Science parks offer companies a ready-made operating environment with a wide range of services, where companies can concentrate on their core business.
Typically, the science park service packages comprise services in real estate and facilities and business development, and project work with its related development programmes. Network co-operation and a wide range of contacts play a key role in science park activities. The basic package usually contains telecommunications and data connections, restaurant and cleaning services, office services and a wide range of specialist services, such as training, patent and law offices, consultants and bookkeeping.
The success of science parks is based on the success of their customers. What is essential is that the innovation environment diversely supports the development of customers’ business at different stages of their company development.
What is a technology incubator and how does it benefit an entrepreneur?
A technology incubator is a business incubator operating in a science park. A technology incubator operates in an innovation environment, where its customers can utilise the services, networks, etc, related to different sectors of science park activity.
The purpose of technology incubators is to support and guide entrepreneurs and their companies through growth and internationalisation. The incubator process helps in the discovery and activation of business ideas, not only at the pre-incubator and incubator stages, but also in monitoring the post-incubator stage. Support and interaction help customers to surmount the more challenging stages of entrepreneurship.
