R&D Facilities and Professional Labor Location Preferences: A Case Study in Tampa-St. Petersburg

Abstract

Much discussion concerning economic growth and development over the past few years has focused on research and development (R&D) and high technology industries. Planners and politicians desire high technology firms to locate in their cities because such firms are generally regarded as having positive effects on economic growth and employment. However, although high technology firms have many locations from which to choose, past research on the geography of R&D has shown that R&D facilities are concentrated in a few areas. The Tampa-St. Petersburg area of Florida has a high concentration of R&D and high technology firms. This study examines the attributes of the Tampa-St. Petersburg area as a suitable and attractive location for high technology firms and their employees, using data from a survey of three firms and their employees.