Regional Technology Assets and Opportunities: The Geographic Clustering of High-Tech Industry, Science and Innovation in Appalachia


Author(s): Edward Feser and Harvey Goldstein
Author Organization(s): University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

This study identifies sub-regional concentrations of businesses, universities, colleges, and labs that involve technology-related employment, R&D, and applied innovation within and adjacent to ARC’s 406 counties. The study found 100 technology clusters in eight technology areas: chemicals and plastics; motor vehicles and related; industrial machinery; information technology and instruments; aerospace; communications services and software; and pharmaceuticals and medical technologies. Chemicals and plastics, industrial machinery, and motor vehicles and related account for a majority of the technology clusters.