Changing Places - Unit 4

Question 1

What are the 3 locational factors for in the growth of a new quaternary industry?

Answer 1

1- Skilled workforce: high levels of education and skills. Consequently, many quaternary industries locate and cluster around universities and research institutes

2- Communication infrastructure: 2 key forms include: fast internet connectivity (ability for organisations to share info, often at a global scale, is vital for success) and transportation infrastructure (ability for key personnel to attend meetings and conferences to share and develop ideas is vital for many organisations)

3- Government: in 2014, British government spent £9 billion on R&D projects within its own research institutes

Question 2

Name a case study of a regional quaternary industry cluster

Answer 2

M4 Corridor (to west of London)

Question 3

Advantages of M4 Corridor location?

Answer 3

• Both the M4 and the A34 provide good road communications
• The electrical railway line from Paddington provides a quick route into central London for business meetings
• Heathrow airport on the M4 provides easy over-seas access
• Nearby universities, such as Oxford, have stimulated research projects here
• The attractive environment of the Thames Valley provide homes for the highly paid workers

Question 4

Name a case study of a localised cluster of quaternary industries

Answer 4

Cambridge Science Park

Question 5

Give 3 key facts about Cambridge Science Park

Answer 5

1- Established by Trinity College in 1970
2- By 1999, there were 64 companies located at the park, employing 4,000 people
3- Has 2 local train stations, a guided bus and airports

Question 6

What does the term ‘agglomeration of economies’ mean?

Answer 6

the benefits that come when firms and people locate near one another together in cities and industrial clusters

Question 7

What is overheating?

Answer 7

Overheating of an economy occurs when it’s productive capacity is unable to keep pace with growing aggregate demand

Question 9

How is Cambridge’s local economy overheating?

Answer 9

1- House prices increased
2- Unemployment higher than the rest of England (Cambridge at 5.2% compared to 4.4%)
3- Road traffic has increased
4- Population has increased by 14%

Question 10

Key facts about Birmingham Science Park

Answer 10

• Covers 14 acres
• Over 100 companies
• Employs more than 1500 people

Question 11

Name a case study where cluster occur on a smaller scale

Answer 11

Birmingham Science Park

Question 12

Name another case study where cluster occur on a smaller scale

Answer 12

The Custard Factory, Digbeth, Birmingham