Economic World Case Study

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Economic World Case Study

• High Tech Industry Bracknell, UK

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What do you need to revise?

• What are modern high tech industries? Where are
  they usually found in the UK?
• Where is your case study? (should come out
  through the next section)
• Why have hi-tech industries located in Bracknell?
  (BE SPECIFIC)
• Which firms have been attracted to locate in
  Bracknell?

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What are hi-tech industries?

• those that involve the use of research and
  development to create high value, technology
  based product and processes e.g. computer part
  development.
• These are thought of as footloose (an industry
  that can locate anywhere).
• However a number of specific factors affect their
  location.

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Where are hi-tech industries usually found in the
UK?

• Usually found in large concentrations.
• Cambridge (Silicon Fen)
• North of Glasgow (Silicon Glen)
• Thames Valley
• Bracknell Berkshire

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Where is Bracknell?
Source www.rfidc.com
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Why have hi-tech firms located in Bracknell?

• (1) Excellent communications links
• Close to M4 M3 (access to whole of UK)
• 20 miles from Heathrow airport
• 50 miles from Gatwick airport
• Situated on the Reading to Waterloo rail line
  which gives access to whole of UK network.

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Why have hi-tech firms located in Bracknell?

• (2) Highly skilled workforce
• Bracknells population has grown significantly
  over last 50yrs.
• Growth in the 25-44 age bracket (working age) and
  skilled workers in Bracknell.
• population in 25-44 age group rose from 29 in
  1951 36 in 2001.
• Many universities in the area with good degrees
  in computer technology e.g. Brunel, Surrey
  Reading all in a 20 radius of Bracknell.

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Why have hi-tech firms located in Bracknell?

• (3) Local facilities/environment
• Hi-tech firms require excellent leisure
  facilities for the workers.
• Bracknell has many dry ski-slope, ice rink,
  bowling, athletics, football rugby clubs and
  swimming pool.
• Surrounding Bracknell there is a large
  coniferous forest to the south with open public
  access through the Look Out Country Park.
  Windsor Great Park is to the east of Bracknell
  for exploring on foot or by bike and the Chiltern
  Hills to the north.
• Also the South Hill Park Arts Centre which
  regularly has theatrical performances.

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Which hi-tech firms have located in Bracknell?

• Hewlett Packard
• Siemens
• Dell
• Panasonic
• Office complexes are impressive with landscaped
  gardens and car parking. Also direct access to
  motorways. A number of hotels have been built
  e.g. The Coppid Beach Hotel in Windsor Great
  Park, which caters for company executives with
  conference facilities.

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Typical questions

• What is meant by a high-tech firm? 2
• What is meant by the term a footloose industry?
  2
• With specific reference to your chosen case study
  describe and explain the locating factors
  associated with high-tech industries 6.
• With specific reference to your chosen case study
  explain why it has been an attractive location
  for high-tech firms? 6.