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Knowledge-intensive companies
Companies that develop or apply knowledge to create or improve cutting-edge products, services, or processes
The role of companies
Companies of various sizes and specializations are an important part of a district’s DNA. They contribute to a district’s critical mass of activity and people with specialized training and knowledge. We identify knowledge-intensive companies using the following criteria:
1
The company employs disproportionately large numbers of workers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) occupations; spends disproportionately large sums of its cash flow on research and development; or is primarily involved in manufacturing high technology goods.
2
The company primarily sells products and services to customers far from the company's headquarters or production facilities—that is, the company's products or services are intended primarily for non-local markets.
3
If not defined by one of the above criteria, the company provides services to organizations in the district. This includes law firms, consulting firms, accounting firms, marketing and advertising firms, media companies, and other advanced business or professional services firms.
Knowledge-intensive companies benefit from the types of assets, actors, and collaborative ecosystems found in innovation districts. For this reason, companies choose to locate in districts in an effort to strengthen their capacity to innovate and to scale to other markets.
Who advances districts?
Ecosystem builders
- A diversity of intermediaries
- Accelerators and incubators
- New kinds of anchors
Mission-driven organizations
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