The evolution of science concentrations: the case of Newcastle Science City

Within the economic geography literature, research has been undertaken to gain an understanding of how science concentrations have developed. However, most of the research has been based on the listing of chronological events or is rather descriptive. More recently, attempts have been made to apply an evolutionary economic geography framework to understand the development of science concentrations as it enables a better understanding of these developments by providing a view on how processes of change operate over time. In the light of this, this paper utilizes an evolutionary economic geography framework to analyze one type of science concentration: a science city. The case of Newcastle Science City is analyzed for the period 2004–11. The findings highlight that organizational restructuring and the establishment of new organizations, stimulating new connections between individuals and regional organizations and avoiding early lock-ins, facilitates the development of science concentrations.