Availability of scientific research skills and infrastructure, together with a high quality research base are key
factors in influencing R&D investment decisions. Specifically, a company will be seeking:
– An adequate supply of skilled scientists and other technical personnel arising from sufficient able pupils
studying science and going on to pursue a career in science.
– A high quality and relevant science base, including centres of world-class research in universities allowing
collaboration between industry and academia.
– Access to new ideas and technology through links with SMEs. Large companies are increasingly looking to
R&D partnerships as a way of sharing costs, accessing new ideas, and reducing the time to market for new
products. The most attractive location for investment would have a critical mass of competitive partner
organisations.
– Clusters of pharmaceutical firms, research and training institutions, suppliers of key inputs (e.g. software),
venture capital providers and other related entities are important to facilitate linkages and partnerships
critical for industry competitiveness. In countries of a similar size to the UK, for example, caution should be
taken not to dilute this by creating too many clusters on a smaller scale.