The role of incubators in local industrial development: the crygenics industry in Oxfordshire

The impact of incubators and the role of key individuals in the evolution of areas where high-technology industry is concentrated is examined. Such areas have varying characteristics both in composition and momentum. The case of the cryogenics industry in Oxfordshire is used to illustrate the processes by which areas develop. However, the paper argues that a supportive operating environment is needed for there to be significant local employment gains and commercial exploitation of technology in companies formed through the spin-off process