ABSTRACT
Firms and employees drawn to or created by their predecessors in a particular place generate a self-sustaining critical mass of companies if they occur in large enough numbers to keep adding others. Elements necessary to nurture the growing cluster also must increase: suitable facilities for each of three growth stages, large infusions of capital over several years of development, highly educated employees, and a research institution (university or corporate) with applications transferable to the marketplace. The particular location of a life science industry agglomeration is usually based on a real estate configuration. Examples include a deliberately constructed incubator or industrial-science park close by the site where relevant research is being conducted, or second stage facilities for the incubator's fledgling graduates, followed by an amenity-equipped customized office/lab space. But the process of transforming a built
Table 7.1 Life Science Industry, Atlanta and San Diego, 1997
This research first examines innovative milieu theory as it applies to the interactive effect of the life science industry on the growth of a metropolitan region. The next section reviews the development of this industry, particularly the highly innovative biotech sector. Contrasts between San Diego and Atlanta as general sites for life science agglomeration development precedes a more detailed examination of key aspects in each place. The conclusion summarizes extensions to theory provided by these case study contrasts.
