High technology industry in the Bristol sub-region: The aerospace/defence nexus

Abstract

Boddy M. and Lovering J. (1986) High technology industry in the Bristol sub-region: the aerospace/defence nexus, Reg. Studies 20, 217–231. This paper presents a detailed study of ‘high technology’ industry in the Bristol region which comprises an important element of the UK's ‘M4 Corridor’ growth area. High technology industry in the region is found to be primarily identified with the aerospace industry, in terms of both products, process and occupational structure. Aerospace is central to high technology industry as a whole in terms of sub-contracting and purchasing, and through its domination of the labour market. The origins of the electronics-based aerospace sector are traced in the development of the aircraft and guided weapons industries as they related to the Bristol sub-region in the post-war period. This indicates the key role of defence-related production and Ministry of Defence procurement to the genesis and continuing importance of the advanced technology sector in the sub-region, demonstrating the centrality of ‘non-spatial’ government policies and expenditure to regional development and economic fortunes. Finally, it is noted that the major employment gains in the sub-region have, despite the high technology image, been in the service sector particularly financial services; local economic development policies have, nevertheless, aimed above all to attract in high-technology firms.