The geographical distribution of industrial research activity in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Buswell R. J. and Lewis E. W. (1970) The geographical distribution of industrial research activity in the United Kingdom, Reg. Studies 4, 297–306. The growth of the institutional structure of industrial research activity and its geographical distribution within the United Kindom is described. The disproportionate concentration of research in the South-East and West Midland regions is attributed to a variety of interrelated factors: the high degree of accessibility of the two regions to sources and flows of ideas and information; convenient linkages with the science-based industries concentrated in the two regions and the head offices of research orientated companies, particularly in the London area; the government influence in sponsoring research projects, locating its own laboratories and selecting higher education centres for expansion; finally, the ability of the two regions to provide and attract the specialized labour supplies needed in the laboratories. The community interest in the location of research activities is examined in the final section.