A study of Paraná's Technology Parks: Considerations on Curitiba

Abstract

Technology Parks are innovation environments that aim to boost regional and national economies, making them more competitive. They are part of an innovation ecosystem that also involves incubators, accelerators, and technological innovation hubs. In this sense, understanding the relationship between innovation and territory has become increasingly relevant, especially when we observe how these dynamics materialize in urban contexts, such as the city of Curitiba. Thus, this research sought to analyze the Technology Parks in the city of Curitiba and their interrelationships with the territory. The study combines a literature review on the topic and a survey of data and information from institutions such as the Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Higher Education (SETI), the Paraná Institute of Technology (TECPAR), the Paraná State System for the Promotion of Innovation (SEPARTEC), and other relevant entities, enabling an in-depth analysis of the characteristics, impacts, and strategies of these parks. The study also examines the role of public policies aimed at innovation in the capital of Paraná in consolidating and strengthening these initiatives, highlighting how they contribute to the scientific, technological, and economic development of the territory. In Curitiba, in particular, public policies are strongly focused on expanding and strengthening these environments, covering both public and private initiatives, which explains the significant number of parks in the municipality. It is hoped that this will provide insights into the role of technology parks in promoting innovation and integrating Curitiba into the context of these innovation environments.