Bulletin of
Vitebsk State
Technological
University

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to develop theoretical approaches and practical recommendations for the organization of the functioning of university technoparks to increase their contribution to the development of youth entrepreneurship at the regional level. The analysis of theoretical approaches to the organization of technoparks allowed us to identify their main goals (promoting economic growth through the development of innovative entrepreneurship) and tasks. On the basis of generalization and systematization of positive foreign experience in the creation and development of technoparks, four organizational models of technoparks (American, European, Japanese, Chinese) are identified, the differences of which consist in determining the main element in the creation of a technopark (university, priority industry or region), which forms the directions of its development and support measures. It is proved that technoparks have a positive impact on the development of entrepreneurship and economic growth. Based on empirical data from the EU-27 countries for 2015–2022 a statistically significant, strong, directly proportional relationship between the dynamics of GDP and the development of entrepreneurship and the startup movement was revealed, which confirmed the author's hypothesis about the positive impact of entrepreneurship on GDP growth rates. The analysis of the development of technoparks in the Republic of Belarus allowed us to identify two organizational models – technoparks created by regional government bodies and university technoparks. Based on the author's expert survey of young people, the potential for the development of youth entrepreneurship in the region has been determined, priority activities (services, advertising), areas of support and existing barriers have been identified. It is shown that university technoparks are an effective tool for the development of youth innovative entrepreneurship in the region, but their functioning requires joint efforts of the government, regional authorities and the university. In the Republic of Belarus, local authorities assist in the development of only those technoparks whose founders are regional government bodies. At the same time, university technoparks practically do not have any additional benefits. Therefore, the commercialization of scientific developments of the university is carried out only by the efforts of the university itself. Practical recommendations are proposed to improve the conditions of economic activity and promote the sustainable financial and economic condition of university technoparks in Belarus (introduction of additional benefits and reduction of tariffs for electricity and heat, changes in the distribution of income from sublease, adoption of a program to stimulate researchers to carry out innovative activities).

Science and Technology Park as a Driver of Youth Entrepreneurship Development in the Region