Definition Various concepts and appellations exist for the different technology-based institutional forms that have emerged over the past 20-30 years. Similar concepts may have different names and the same appellation may refer to initiatives with more or less wide differences in format and objectives. Many of the new institutional forms designed to support technology capacity building are situated in a specific physical location with both public and private sector institutions co-operating through actions essentially aimed at building bridges between academia and industry, promoting innovation in SMEs and encouraging investment in technology-based start-up firms.