Kirby, Michelle; (2000) Planning for knowledge driven industry in the South East. Masters thesis (M.Phil), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This study examines planning for knowledge driven industries in the South East in the context of cluster policy. The literature review establishes that knowledge driven industries cluster together to reduce uncertainty, and enable innovation to take place. By clustering, competitiveness can be sustained. However, clustering has land use implications requiring a continuous supply of high quality and often greenfield sites. These implications potentially conflict with the sustainability objectives of the planning system. Despite this the DTI endorse clustering, and recommend that the planning system be reformed to facilitate it. This research examines the land use implications of clustering and investigates whether or not the existing planning system does need reforming for local practitioners. There are two strands to the research. Firstly, the geography of high technology clustering in the South East is identified at local authority level using location quotient and differential analysis. This is compared with a base case, comprising previous research results and a summary of the sub-regional economy. Secondly, the top thirty high technology local authorities are canvassed on the current operation of the planning system and how far it fosters clustering. The high technology sector is a proxy for knowledge driven industries. The geography of high technology clustering reveals a more complex picture than earlier research studies. High technology is not clustered solely in the west of the region, there are also examples to the East. Authorities in the Western Arc to the immediate north and west of London perhaps surprisingly do not have high representation, whereas authorities on the rim of the region, including the South coast are well represented. The survey of the top thirty high technology authorities identifies that there is no conscious planning for clustering, although the planning system has been able to foster them. Problems arise when there is a shortage of land, as occurs in many parts of the South East. On these occasions authorities compromise established planning policies- sustainability imperatives—to foster high technology clusters. In the absence of defined clusters planning policy, authorities tend to resist this option.

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