EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - The North Jutland Science Park

The North Jutland Science Park – Aalborg, Denmark

Introduction

In the late 1980s, a group of North Jutland business people recognised the need to boost the development of trade and industry in the region through investment in technology and innovation. In association with Aalborg University, they therefore established a science park for the benefit of existing and future enterprises.

Problem

Entrepreneurs face many problems in launching development projects: problems in locating risk capital, finding technical, commercial and administrative backup, selecting partners and keeping to tight schedules and budgets. The North Jutland Science Park (NOVI) was built to offer facilities to help ease these troubles.

Description

NOVI, the only science park in Denmark with development company status and a 50% state guarantee, fulfils several functions. There is a business site, there is a location for knowledge-based and high-tech companies and the park functions as a science broker.

Approach

Firstly, it is a business site. The 5 500 m2 NOVI Centre houses entrepreneurs, development projects, cooperation projects and technological service institutes. It offers a peaceful location for research, specialist expertise and a neutral address where development teams can work in a creative environment.
Near the Centre is a 55 000 m2 area called NOVI Park, which is earmarked for the location of knowledge-based and high-tech companies.
As well as being a science park, NOVI is also a science broker. Knowledge is mediated from Aalborg University, hospitals in North Jutland and the North Sea Centre to industrial companies in the area, and industrial research requirements are passed back.
NOVI is also a venture capital company and the only science park in Denmark to have its own risk capital.

Results

Since opening in 1989, NOVI has attracted 34 tenant companies employing well over 140 people. Less than one year after the completion of the first phase of their new building, the Korean company Maxon is already extending their development centre to accommodate 80-100 development engineers. Other building activities are also underway. The Force Institute, a major Danish technological institute, is locating all its activities in North Jutland at NOVI Park. When this has been completed, a total of 250-300 people will be working in the NOVI Park area. One of the biggest successes to date has been the establishment of a joint development company for GSM mobile phones, which was assisted by NOVI and communications experts from Aalborg University.

Beneficiaries

The region as a whole.

Resources used

The total budget was 4.9 million euros of which the EU contributed 694 500 euros.

Contact info

North Jutland Science Park Ltd
Poul Ernst Rasmussen (Managing Director), tel. +45 9635 4500

Project start date

01/01/1989

Links

Website of the North Jutland Science Park

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Business support