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Case Study: Synchrotron, ParcTecnològic del Vallès
Pleasant working environment | 63 |
Access to good workforce | 51 |
Available sites | 50 |
Proximity to other high-tech firms | 17 |
Supportive local authorities | 17 |
University/polytechnic links | 9 |
Locational factors in high-techindustry (Source: Gripaios, 1989)
The Synchrotron has knowledge as its raw material. TheseHigh-tech knowledge labour skills tend to be narrowly concentrated in ElVallès, where a Science and Technology incubator Park (Parc Tecnològic delVallès) has been developed and the nearby university specialises in turning outstudents with applied science skills. The success of any high-tech enterprisedepends on its ability to recruit and keep highly skilled research scientists,engineers and technicians.
The government has invested heavily in supportinfrastructure, including a new materials training institute, UniversityDepartment of Artificial Intelligence Research and Calibration and Researchlaboratories.
High-tech employees are often very selective when itcomes to where they are prepared to live and work. An environmentally attractivelocation (good climate, landscape, housing, services, etc.) is essential tohiring the right kind of labour (see Table above). Companies must therefore goto where workers want to live. In Europe, it is increasingly the MediterraneanRiviera sunbelt.
High-tech industries require an area that can offer excellentleisure facilities. There are high quality leisure amenities in the area,including nearby Natural Parks, golf courses, etc.
Large areas of low-cost greenfield sites
As new high-tech firms locate in areas where high-tech labourskills are available, they encourage yet further clustering and agglomerationthrough links with suppliers and services and 'spin-off' start-ups fromestablished incubator firms.
High-tech industries require an excellent communicationsnetwork. El Vallès has a highly accessible location with road (A7 motorway),rail, port and airport links: 14 km from the centre of Barcelona, 25 km from theairport and 15 km from the Mediterranean beaches.
Hotels have been constructed in the area which offer conferencefacilities and cater for company executives, many of whom work for TNCs.
Prestige location.
Barcelona synchrotron location
