High Technology and Economic Development: The BioCity Nottingham Technology Incubator

Abstract

The Case Study section of the International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation serves two purposes. First, the case studies presented are concerned with problematical issues that are pertinent to students of entrepreneurship. Thus they constitute appropriate teaching and learning vehicles on a variety of postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. Each case study is accompanied by a set of guidelines for the use of tutors. Second, it is envisaged that those engaged in entrepreneurial activities will find the cases both interesting and useful. Since the 1990s, public policy makers and private investors have been creating bio-incubators with the aim of obtaining a foothold in what many presume is one of the hottest future industries. This case study provides an in-depth picture of the biggest UK-based bio-incubator – BioCity Nottingham. The study outlines the history and regional context of the incubator as well as its service portfolio and a profile of its supported firms. The study provides insights into the formation of biotechnology companies, the role of the regional context in shaping business models and the emergence of a science-based business network. As a major implication, Nottingham's location, remote from the epicentre of both science and venture capital in the UK, favours service-based business models. BioCity provides a fascinating opportunity to become acquainted with local conditions of business incubation.