Sustainable Technology Based Development via Science Parks & Their

Benefits

Sadiq M. Sait

1 December 2003

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Two Part OutlineTwo Part Outline

Part I: About Science Parks– Concept, Trends, Stakeholders, Motives, Benefits,

Conceptual Plan, Proposed Site, Potential Tenants, Financing, Consultants, Look-Ahead Plan, etc

Part II: Their Benefits: Tourism

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Part IPart IAbout Science ParksAbout Science Parks

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About Science ParksAbout Science Parks What are they? History and Trends Stakeholders Motives Relevant Joint Activities The Incubator Saudi Arabian Experience

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What Are they?What Are they? Definitions and forms: A wide range A generally accepted definition includes: A property

based initiative which:– Has operational links with universities, research centers, and/or

other higher education institutions– Is designed to encourage the formation and growth of

knowledge based industries on high-added-value firms– Has a steady management team actively engaged in the transfer

of technology and business skills Science parks in other parts of the world: Australia,

Dubai, Finland, Hong-Kong, Morocco, Brazil, UK, USA, everywhere, hundreds

IASP (International Association of Science Parks)

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Different from an RIDifferent from an RI External Research projects at KFUPM

departments and RI differ from Science Park concept

At the Science-Park, companies conduct research independently for their own motives, by their own researchers, utilizing their own facilities, and may involve University researchers & facilities, without intervention of University

It differs from funded project awarded to University faculty

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History and TrendHistory and Trend Earlier, most (if not all) universities were

reluctant to embrace collaboration with industry, and industry similarly was shy of academia

Around 1980s, Universities began trying to contact industry (a little earlier in some industrialized countries such as the UK)

The science park concept was an unfamiliar one and companies were mainly attracted to it by a desire to be near to the University's scientific research

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History and TrendHistory and Trend Around 1994, Universities would contact

companies through Science Parks (Research Parks)

Now, there are networks of universities and networks of Science Parks

With time, science from laboratories (with work on proof of concept, prototyping), via liaison offices, incubators, nurseries, science parks is making to industry

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StakeholdersStakeholders The primary stakeholders in the development

and sustenance of a Science Park are: – The University– Tenant firms and enterprises (industry component)– Investors and Private Start-up Companies

Each of these stakeholders will play a vital role in the development and growth of the Science Park (PASP)

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University’s MotivesUniversity’s Motives Economic development through industry

linked projects University to become skilled at industry

collaboration Tenants forming useful associations with the

University in the pursuit of any aspect of the our University’s mission

Opportunities for commercialization of University research, including via incubation facilities for start-ups

To earn income from ground rental in support of University research

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Joint ActivitiesJoint Activities Joint research projects, especially for graduate

and doctoral students Work experience programs for undergrads (part-

and full-time jobs for university students) Sharing of university equipment and laboratories Custom-designed education programs for tenants Many staff in tenant companies can enroll in our

graduate programs Advice from tenants (companies) on the design

of courses Adjunct appointments of industry experts to

teach and research in the university

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Joint ActivitiesJoint Activities Larger companies can have their research work

contracted to the university. (The proximity with the academic departments producing hundreds of graduates in an area of expertise is a plus)

Companies can donate equipment and tools, share expertise, etc., in return for using university labs, faculty, and students

Tenants can also lend University valuable scientific equipment

Senior staff of tenant companies can serve on University advisory boards

Tenants can offer scholarships to postgraduate students

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TypesTypes There are several models, depending on the

objectives It could be a park or a network or parks (a

park can be a network of companies) For a Science Park linked to a University,

collaboration is the key May or may not have an Incubator

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What is an Incubator?What is an Incubator? An incubator is a welcoming and

supporting partner that generates and sustains the dynamic process of business enterprise development for individuals eager to start companies to build commercially viable products and services over innovative technologies; it provides support in terms of infrastructure, logistics, finance, training, advice, and offices, until the businesses find their own place.

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Part IIPart IIConceptual Plan of PASPConceptual Plan of PASP

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Conceptual Plan of PASPConceptual Plan of PASP The Vision The Mission Goals/Objectives Benefits Funding & Finance Governance & Management Some Critical Success Factors

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The VisionThe Vision

To create an environment within the university that will forge closer ties and enduring links between academia and the industry spanning a spectrum of research and development issues for technological and economic growth.

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The Mission StatementThe Mission Statement

To institute a financially self-sustaining physical entity that would foster technological innovation and accelerate its commercial deployment through sustained collaboration with established companies as well as promote start-up enterprises through business incubator programs.

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Goals/ObjectivesGoals/Objectives The primary purpose of instituting a science

park within KFUPM can be listed as follows:– To forge a strong collaboration between the university and

industry in R&D– To promote small tech-specific businesses and start-ups

through an incubator program– To direct significant technology-driven foreign investment and

presence into the Kingdom– Commercialization of research– Providing a strong point of presence for major international

companies and enterprises– Technology Transfer: Channeling new global technologies and

practices into the Kingdom

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Benefits to KFUPMBenefits to KFUPM Close links and collaborative efforts between the

science park’s businesses and tenants and the university’s faculty, researchers and students

Attraction and retention from amongst the best faculty and researchers

Industrial presence for the benefit of students The presence of International major companies will

help keep the university abreast of the latest technological trends and developments

Employment opportunities for students (during study and upon graduation)

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Benefits to Tenant FirmsBenefits to Tenant Firms Tenant companies can have a significant point of

presence in the region especially from an R&D perspective

Availability of a highly skilled work-force pool from graduate and undergraduate student body

Assistance in identifying university programs and resources that best relate to the tenant’s research

Adjunct faculty participation from tenants Opportunity for commercial deployment of

university’s proprietary patents and innovations Access to the university’s advanced educational and

training programs

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Benefits to InvestorsBenefits to Investors Venture Capital Companies can get involved in

developing infrastructure for PASP and can go beyond it by managing the park as a commercially profitable enterprise

Private start-up companies would have access to the incubator program at PASP, which would provide a stable growth catalyst. This is in addition to other research and development facilities as available to other tenants

Developing companies would benefit from the mentoring, investment and marketing support which established larger companies could provide

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Funding & FinanceFunding & Finance Given its ideal location and the explicit returns

for the Industry, it is proposed that the park should be financed entirely by private investment rather than through government funding

This would not only give the university independence from this huge task, but also would be a measure of the Industry’s interest and initiative in the project

Under this model, the university would be a privileged decision member responsible for laying down standards and leasing tenants while maintenance and construction would be the responsibility of a private sector enterprise

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Funding & FinanceFunding & Finance Under the proposed financial system, the University

will provide the land-area for the science park, entering into a lease agreement with a private enterprise for construction and development

This enterprise may receive its returns from a percentage of the land and building rentals

The PASP Committee has been in contact with a private company which with its experience in funding and managing such projects has expressed interest to partner with the university and secure funding for the SOLP:– Development of the Concept as a Commercial Venture– Investment through SOLP in the Commercial Venture– Advisory role in the Project implementation

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Governance & ManagementGovernance & Management The effective management and governance

of the science park is based on the collaboration between three major parties:

– university, knowledge and resources – industry: financing from the industry – government: regulations and incentives come from them

Park managed as a commercial enterprise by a Park Manager, who heads the management team, and is overseen by a board of directors

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Critical Success FactorsCritical Success Factors Consensus on the factors that

contribute to the success or failure of university-related science parks can be placed in two categories:

1. Factors associated with the site, (its size and location), the university’s inclination, and its research base to contribute and gain from such a relationship

2. Factors associated with the university’s administration and sponsoring of the project

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Critical Success FactorsCritical Success Factors Factors that can greatly impact the

development and growth are:1. Planning, leadership, commitment and involvement of all

concerned parties for effective implementation of the plan2. The detailed plan should be based on clear objectives, well

integrated with the long-term mission and goal of the university (UNESCO Team coming to assist and consult, and also British Council is involved)

3. Close interaction between the tenant firms and the university (openness)

4. A clear management structure with a Park Manager appointed at an early stage

5. Preference to companies in the general strengths of the university

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Part IIIPart IIIGeneral Discussions & General Discussions &

ConclusionConclusion

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FactFact

Despite the considerable potential benefits, world-wide experience shows that genuine collaboration between universities and industry within science parks has been difficult to achieve. Companies in science parks are commercially oriented and need to be persuaded that the University offers attractions.

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A Comment & The ChallengeA Comment & The Challenge Studies have concluded that many science

parks are mainly a form of prestigious real estate development, physically isolated from the surrounding society and thus quite unlikely to generate productive synergies of any kind. (Phillimore et al, XV IASP World Conference Proceedings)

KFUPM needs to accept this challenge and work hard to demonstrate its enthusiasm and ability to offer value to tenant companies

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Broader goals: CautionBroader goals: Caution All future tenants must be capable of

and willing to work with the University Provisions must be worked out to

ensure that the Park achieves the University's aims and does not degenerate into just another business park

University must attract organizations capable of 'forming any useful association with the University’

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What to Expect?What to Expect? The university will be surrounded by some of

the world’s leading technology companies Industry participation in academia The university will build on its current

strengths due to proximity with industry. Proximity will assist greatly in fostering relationship with tenants

The research/teaching programs will concentrate on modern high technology, and university’s research will win recognition through grants and sponsorships

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How to Encourage CollaborationHow to Encourage Collaboration Involving faculty in planning & tenant selection RI and University Research Office can be tenants Appointing a Park Manager early The university having a stake in the parks ongoing

development Offering tenants privileged access to university

facilities Holding regular seminars and briefings, where

university and tenant staff can mingle and make informal contacts

Special scholarships for students to conduct their research projects in the Park

Inviting senior staff of tenant companies to join university advisory boards

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Current StatusCurrent Status Master plan is being created & approvals are

being sought Legal issues are being looked into Offset program (SOLP) is being contacted both

directly and via a private enterprise, and alternate modes of financing are investigated.

Tenants are sending to the university their letters-of-intent (Idemitsu, Japan; Cytec, Italy; IFP, France, Membrana of Germany)

Few have already moved in physically/virtually. Some will construct their own building with our specs (Schlumberger, France; CIBA, Switzerland; JCCP, Japan)

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Finally …Finally … The PASP is a strong statement of KFUPM’s

determination to maintain its high standards in research, technological development and academic excellence.

It is an initiative to couple the university’s resources and talent with the technological capabilities of the industrial sector, thereby creating a highly collaborative environment with vast potential for joint technological research and development.

With the establishment of this science park, KFUPM moves forward into its fiftieth year with a far-reaching initiative that will be a dynamic catalyst for technological development and collaboration between the university and the industry.

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Part IIPart IITourism in Saudi ArabiaTourism in Saudi Arabia

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OverviewOverview Saudi Arabia’s vastness knows great extremes

– Arid deserts to coastal towns– Highly sophisticated metropolitan centers to holy pilgrim sites

One of the largest countries in Asia (2 Million Sq Kms)

Eight neighbors on three sides Largest economy in the region Large number of expatriates work and pilgrims

visit (cosmopolitan cities) Population about 20 Million (with over 50% below

the age of 20) Substantial resources

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StatusStatus Recently, the government started encouraging

local investment in recreational projects This is expected to create jobs and diversify

Saudi economy A new agency has been set up for promotion of

tourism Visa regulations are being relaxed to

encourage tourists to visit the Kingdom's cultural, historic and archaeological sites

Both the above mentioned factors have encouraged huge multi-billion dollar investments in the Leisure and Tourism sector to major cities

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Income from TourismIncome from Tourism It is forecast that the tourism sector

could generate income of U$ 3 billion within five years of relaxing rules that restrict the issuance of tourist visas

The current seventh Development Plan (2000-2005) sets the objectives of developing the Leisure and Tourism sector into one of the major economic sectors

Tourism will also help create jobs

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Encourage Private SectorEncourage Private Sector The strategy developed in the plan sees

the need to expand and diversify facilities with particular emphasis on encouraging the private sector to establish more projects

Over the past few years, the private sector has spent over US$ 6.6 billion to set up tourism and leisure and amusement projects in Saudi Arabia, and plans to invest about U$5.3 billion in the next five years

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First StepsFirst Steps As a first step towards encouraging local

tourism, the Government announced the formation of the Supreme Tourism Commission (STC) in order to develop the sector

Visa regulations were also simplified to encourage foreign tourists to visit the country

Pilgrims coming for Hajj or Umrah are also now allowed to travel and move freely in the country, outside the traditional holy cities of Makkah and Medinah

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First StepsFirst Steps All these regulations are being introduced

gradually When fully implemented will go a long way to

further encourage investment in the sector There is good evidence to suggest that some

Saudis have started spending their annual holidays in the Kingdom

Tourist attractions have been constructed in the mountains of the West and South and also around Riyadh and the Eastern Province

Tourist sites have been constructed and some are being expanded

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Tourism BusinessTourism Business Saudi businessmen have recognized the

potential demand and are developing plans to meet it

In the short to medium term, there are large numbers of projects that offer good opportunities to foreign businesses that have products and services for

– hotels – Resorts– amusement parks– theme parks– entertainment centers and – sporting facilities

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DescriptionDescription Vast, complex and fascinating, Saudi

Arabia has a rich collection of historical sites, such as the Nabatean remains of Madain Saleh, diverse and rugged landscapes, vibrant cities and, of course, the Saudi people themselves - deeply traditional and respectful. Comment: An adventurous journey through a fascinating country. Hotels and roads are excellent, but be prepared for dusty off-road driving and more basic conditions whilst camping.

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Getting ThereGetting There Visas

– At present for pilgrimage, or tourism through airlines, travel groups etc. Small "educational groups" from universities, alumni organizations and museums are getting special travel permits through Saudi Arabian Airlines, the national carrier.

Travel– All airlines fly to major cities– Buses to travel to archeological sites

http://www.canoe.ca/TravelWorld/saudi_9905.html (Site to visit: The article title is: Saudi Arabia lifts the veil Conservative Kingdom opening door to foreign tourists by EILEEN ALT POWELL -- Associated Press)

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What the country has to offerWhat the country has to offer Blend of modern and traditional styles Plenty of nature oriented entertainment

– Desert (vast empty quarter in the south), sand dunes, desert trips– date orchards, oasis – beaches (24/7, 365 days of sunshine), a very long coastline– the Red Sea beaches with turquoise water known for the worlds finest scuba diving– mountain resorts, valleys, and camping areas– Falconry– See Bedouin life style (jewellery, tents… etc)

Modern day – Play golf,– Visit

arcade centersarcade centers aquariums aquariums museums, Abdul Raouf Museum in Jeddahmuseums, Abdul Raouf Museum in Jeddah zoozoo

– Play water sports Pilgrimage

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What the country has to offerWhat the country has to offer

Historic and archeological sites

– The country is also very rich in archaeological sites– These include the spectacular tombs and dwellings

carved into sandstone 2,000 years ago by the Nabateans (the same lost civilization that created Petra in neighboring Jordan).

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Archeological Sites Archeological Sites Diriyah: The 350-year-old ruins at

Diriyah, the ancient home of Saudi kings and tribal leaders near Riyadh, is being renovated after 20 years of neglect. The Saudi government is transforming Diriyah as part of its push to attract tourists.

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Ad’DiriyahAd’Diriyah Located on the banks of Wadi’ Hanifa, about

20 KMs north of Riyahd. A visit to the antiquities of Ad’Diriyah today is

a beneficial and joyous experience for families.

It refreshes the memories of the religious reforms and the establishment of the Saudi State.

Old capital, one of the big ancient cities, famous also for date palms.

 

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Madain Al-Saleh Sites Madain Al-Saleh Sites Madain Saleh is situated in the north

western area of Saudi Arabia. It was created by the Nabetians (the same people who built the magnificant Petra in Jordan). Madain Saleh is a spectacular site.

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What the country has to offerWhat the country has to offer– In addition to this, you will find

excellent 5-star hotels, excellent 5-star hotels, residential beach cities and resorts, residential beach cities and resorts, amusement parks (including indoor/outdoor games and amusement parks (including indoor/outdoor games and

amusement equipment). amusement equipment). Infrastructure such as roads, rail, telecom, h and furnished Infrastructure such as roads, rail, telecom, h and furnished

flats, etc is excellent and is being improved. flats, etc is excellent and is being improved.

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Things To Do and Enjoy..Things To Do and Enjoy.. Shopping & Cuisine and Food

– Big malls, buy anything from gold to groceries Carpet shopping, Perfumes, Jewellery, Carpet shopping, Perfumes, Jewellery,

– Dates and Arabic bread, Tabbouleh, Mutabbak, etc– Shahi, Gahwah, (Arabic tea/coffee) etc., are traditional drinks;

Sheeshah– Cuisines from all over the worlds (Thai food to Pizzas) are available– Arabic food to fast food, all chains are available (and rates are

extremely reasonable)

– http://www.1uptravel.com/international/middleeast/saudi-arabia/shopping.html

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Gold Souk Gold Souk One of the largest retail gold markets

in the world. The Gold Souk sells everything

– from ingots to intricately worked jewellery– as well as pearls and precious stones, at bargain

prices– Alleys of small shops are hidden behind the larger

street front stores whose windows are tightly packed with gold jewellery from all over the world

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Images Images Pictures:

– http://geo.ya.com/travelimages/saudiarabia4.html