Knowledge‐complexes and the locus of technological change: the biotechnology sector in Oxfordshire

Summary The case of the biotechnology industry in Oxfordshire is used to examine localism as a means of underpinning the technological trajectory of an industry (Storper 1992). Oxfordshire has a rapidly developing cluster of biotechnology firms. Its position as a focal point of technological change derives from the combination of world‐class scientific research in its research institutions and its firms, a scientific labour market and an emerging infrastructure, including a soft infrastructure: networks, culture and innovation centres, which together are shaping this particular development path.