| This research examines the importance of proximity and the role of distance within the life science sector of the economy for the interacting metropolitan regions of Denver and Boulder, Colorado and Triad and Triangle, North Carolina. This sector is characterized by high technology employment, research and development, and knowledge spillovers. The thesis of this research is that synergies among sectors within the life science industry exist between proximate places to build a regional economic growth engine. Denver/Boulder, CO and Triad/Triangle, NC are complementary regions which share benefits of interactions within the growing life science sector of the economy because of proximity, strong commuting ties, a solid university system, and adequate research funding. Statistics and data regarding labor sources and employment, commuting patterns, and funding come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ReferenceUSA Employment database, Census Transportation Planning Package, and the National Institute of Health. Employment figures are classified by selected life science sectors within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Analysis of these statistics will demonstrate the clustering of life science employment, ease of mobility within the regions, and strength of research and development within the study areas. Conclusions demonstrate that proximate places in Colorado and North Carolina possess the attributes necessary to maintain a successful economic environment for the life science industry to develop. |
