Title: The rationale for location preferences of technology-based small firms in the UK

Authors: Farid Ullah, Qaisar Abbas, Saeed Akbar

Addresses: Aberdeen Business School, The Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen AB10 7QE, UK. ' COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Plot # 30, Sector H-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan. ' University of Liverpool Management School, Chatham Street, Liverpool L69 7ZH, UK

Abstract: This study examines the funding issues of technology-based small firms and the role of locations where identical firms tend to cluster around a centre of knowledge creation or other research base. In the UK, it is commonly known as science parks or business incubators whilst elsewhere it may be known as technopoles, growth poles and/or science cities. Firms choose such clusters due to the perception of a supportive environment that adds value to these firms. The results suggest that at the early stages of development, technology-based small firms seek better locations for recognition, showcasing and accessing other necessary facilities. Science parks are the locations which may best fulfil all these needs of the technology-based small firms. It can be, therefore, argued that owners choose science parks because such privileges may be hard to get in other locations such as the founders| home or other similar locations.

Keywords: technology-based small firms; business locations; science parks; business incubators; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; business funding; funds; clusters; knowledge creation; research bases; R&D; research and development; UK; United Kingdom; technopoles; growth poles; science cities; perception; supportive environments; added value; company development; recognition; showcasing; business facilities; accessibility; home working; globalisation; business advancement.

DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2010.032765

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2010 Vol.3 No.1, pp.79 -93

Published online: 20 Apr 2010 *

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