Hi-tech industries are light industries that involve scientific research and development to produce sophisticated products. They are divided into research and development as well as manufacturing. The location of hi-tech industries is influenced by factors such as access to an urban labor force, transportation infrastructure like airports and roads, proximity to universities for research collaboration, and attractive environments in planned science parks. Tsukuba Science City in Japan is an example of a planned science park located near Tokyo that hosts over 50 national research institutions and 150 private firms in attractive landscaped settings to support the high-tech industry.

1. Factors affecting the distribution of Hi – tech industry

2. What is a Hi-tech industry? Classed as a ‘light industry’ One which makes products that are very sophisticated involving scientific research and development Sometimes referred to as ‘footloose’ industries Industry is divided into Research and Development Manufacturing

3. Examples of hi-tech industries Electronic equipment computers Telecommunications Industrial control systems Testing and measuring equipment Office equipment Aerospace and military equipment Incorporation in consumer products – cars, washing machines, ovens etc Consumer electronics: T.V. receivers Radio receivers DVD etc recorders Hi-fi equipment Calculators Computers Electronic games

4. Research and Development PROCESS New ideas, prototypes Testing new products Manufacturing industries PROCESS Assembling of component parts GENERAL LOCATION Large assembly plants close to urban areas for labour and market Scattered component factories

5. Why footloose? Industries have a relatively free choice of location Small area needed for sites Use power available through National Grid Not limited to port locations Raw materials / components are light- weight and made in many locations Tend to be built on ‘greenfield sites’ away from towns – cheaper, more pleasant Tend to locate on ‘Science Parks’ Must have good transport links – roads and airport

6. What is a Science Park? Science Parks Science Parks are located on the edge of cities in greenfield locations. Many of the firms located in science parks are connected with information, high-technology, and electronic industries. Science parks have direct links with universities for research. They have attractive layouts with grassy areas, ornamental gardens, ponds etc

7. Case Study Tsukuba Science City Built to relieve pressure on Tokyo Location 20 km NE of edge of Tokyo Transport : Railway – on Shinkansen line Motorway 30 km from Tokyo International Airport Workers – highly skilled. Tsukuba has university college of technology Over 50 national research institutions 150 private firms Foreign TNCs have also located here Beautiful scenery Next to Tsukuba National Park Lake Kasumigaura Favourable climate 18 science and business parks Each has attractive environment 70% grass trees, lakes Population 152,000

8. The nature of Japanese Hi-tech industry Labour in Japan is expensive Corporations cut down costs by: mechanisation encouraging hard work and dedication from labour force Many are now building factories overseas e.g. S.E. Asia Benefits : Lower labour costs Labour force is adaptable As local people become wealthier  market for goods Lower production costs

9. Tasks What is ‘hi-tech industry? – include the two parts What factors influence the location of hi-tech industries Notes on Case Study Tsukuba Science City pg 172 – 173 Answer Q4 page 176 Homework Complete w/sheet pg 17/18