High-Tech Clusters

and Why They Matter

 

Technology Centers

 

A technology center is an area with a high concentration of industries related to high-tech and IT. It is a type of industry cluster. Technopole is another term frequently used. Allen J. Scott coined the term in the early 1990s to describe Southern California. Technology centers demonstrate rapid economic growth due to the nature of the business.

Technology centers have a high concentration of institutions that operate in the high-tech field. They can be:

  • Local businesses;
  • Financial institutions;
  • Universities;
  • Public Research Organizations;

 

 

Public and Private

Both the public and the private sectors contribute to the development of a technopole. While it is the entrepreneurs who set up businesses and fund innovation, they need the right environment. The local government can stimulate the growth of a technology center with proper regulations and incentive taxes. These stimulate investors to funnel their money into a particular area.

 

Research and Innovation Create Technology Centers

Most technology centers develop around specific research institutions. These can be both universities and private entities. Areas where high-tech research and innovation are going on attract investors. Such areas produce specialists who are capable of working effectively in the sectors. Not only that, they attract the best talent from around the world. People demonstrating interest in advancing the current technology are more likely to come and study or teach at universities that specialize in their fields. Research institutes that provide funding for a specific type of scientific inquiry are also attractive.

 

What Makes a Technology Center a Technology Center?

 

Several factors contribute to the development of a technopole. The high concentration of research and development institutions in the area is on the top of the list. There is also a pronounced need for enough physical space around the institutions for the development of a business district. The technologies the R&D institutions work on have to be attractive to potential investors and startups. Last but not least, the local regulations should be business-friendly.

The overall infrastructure of the space is also quite crucial. Statistics show that technopoles develop in areas with good highways, stimulating natural environment, and good building sites for new business headquarters. High-speed internet and telecommunications are other musts. A pool of locally-based talent in the high-tech sector is stimulating as well. Housing opportunities for the new hires help out a lot in developing a technology center as well.

 

 

Technology Centers in the United States and Beyond

Silicon Valley is the first place to come to mind when one hears the words “technology centers.” The San Francisco Bay Area of Southern California possesses all features that make up a thriving technology cluster. It has been active in the R&D sector since the 1950s.

The Greater Boston Area

 

The Greater Boston Area is another huge US technopole. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) plays a role here. Other emerging or established technology centers in the country include:

  • Austin, Texas;
  • Denver, Colorado;
  • Huntsville, Alabama;
  • Madison, Wisconsin;

Notable technology centers outside of North America are the IT-Cluster Rhine-Main-Neckar in Germany, Okayama in Japan, and Pretoria in South Africa.

The high-tech field is on the rise at all times. There is no doubt more and more technology centers will emerge around the globe. The future of existing ones also seems bright.

 

LIST OF TECHNOLOGY CENTERS IN THE UK

  • Cwm Silicon — Newport, Wales
  • Silicon Alley — Pink Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
  • Silicon Beach - Bournemouth, England
  • Silicon Canal — Birmingham, England — the area along the Digbeth Branch Canal from Aston Science Park, through Millennium Point to Digbeth.
  • Silicon Corridor — the M4 corridor
  • Silicon Dock — Belfast
  • Silicon Fen — Cambridge, England[36]
  • Silicon Forest — Newark, Nottinghamshire — Silicon Forest consists of various businesses from in and around the Newark and Sherwood area that specialise in technology and innovation.
  • Silicon Glen — Central Belt, Scotland
  • Silicon Gorge — Bristol, England
  • Silicon Mall — London, England — the area between Pall Mall and Victoria in London
  • Silicon Pier — Brighton, England
  • Silicon Roundabout — the area around Old Street Roundabout in London
  • Silicon Shipyard — Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Middlesbrough
  • Silicon Spa — Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
  • Silicon Walk — Edinburgh, Scotland