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 unuversities. 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 conected 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, lland
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.
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