What drives the development of university science parks in China: from the perspective of evolutionary economic geography

University science parks are an important arena and driver for science and technology innovation and development. In this study, we developed the theoretical framework for evolutionary economic geography, which considers the agglomeration effect, path dependence, spin-off process, and local institutions. Next, we investigated the development model and driving mechanism of university science parks using China as a typical case study. We identified three types of development models—university-driven, university–government cooperation, and local dependence—for China’s university science parks. The theoretical contributions of this study lie in constructing an analytical framework for university science parks from the perspective of evolutionary economic geography, thereby expanding the global knowledge system of science and technology park development. In addition, this study supports the development and decision-making surrounding university science parks in China and other countries.