What
is a footloose industry?
Footloose
industries are those that do not have to locate close to
raw materials (unlike the early iron and steel industry
that had to locate close to iron ore and coal etc). Footloose
industries locate in pleasant environments near transport
routes and near the markets. An example of a footloose industry
would be a hi-tech industry such as computing. Footloose
industries have to locate close to research centres like
universities. Development in the hi-tech industry happen
so fast that companies need to stay up to date to survive
e.g. Science Parks around Cambridge. Footloose industries
are usually non-polluting and can locate close to residential
areas.
What
is the Hi-Tech Industry?
A High
technology (Hi-tech) industry is one that produces sophisticated
products. There is a significant emphasis on research and
development. Often the 'raw materials'
are electrical components. Examples of Hi-tech industries
include:
- Computers
- Telecommunications
- Aerospace
and military equipment
Science
Parks
Science
Parks are located on the edge of cities in greenfield locations.
Many of the firms located in science parks are connected
with information, high-technology, and electronic industries.
Science parks have direct links with universities for research.
They have attractive layouts with grassy areas, ornamental
gardens, ponds etc. An example is The Cambridge Science
Park.
The
Cambridge Science Park
The
Cambridge Science Park is on the edge of Cambridge, alongside
the M11 and the A10. It is located here because it is very
accessible, land values are lower on the edge of an urban
area and there is plenty of open space for expansion. A
number of companies have links with research departments
at Cambridge University. You can find out more about the
Cambridge Science Park here.
