Technology parks in Greater Poland – spatial transformations on a regional and local scale

Abstract

The main objective of this study is the analysis of the changes in the technology park tissue since the 1990s and the regional structure of innovation centres in Wielkopolska. A diagnosis of the state of technology parks allows to identify conditions, barriers and opportunities for their development. Research methods include literature reviews, analysis of planning documents, data from municipal spatial information systems, and field and online surveys. The research focuses on the transformation of the urban structure and architecture of technology parks co-financed by European funds, and the challenges for regional and urban policy.

The quality of the space of technology parks is crucial for their development, as it serves as a place for the development of relationships and cooperation between institutions and builds the image of the companies in the park and, consequently, of the city. All technology parks in Wielkopolska are located in the Poznań agglomeration. The choice of location for the parks was mainly determined by the availability of land and proximity to transport nodes, and included mainly the peripheral areas of the agglomeration. In the second decade of the 21st century, parks appeared in the city centre and their iconic architecture shaped the image of the city. In regional policy, it is important to clearly define development and investment objectives and to make effective use of EU funds. The integration of urban spatial policy with the operation of parks is crucial, but often remains in the realm of planning. Urban and regional policies should focus on the four identified key real technology parks, taking into account their location in spatial development planning.