Knowledge-based service industry in a South African university town : the case of Stellenbosch

Date
2012-08
Authors
Adendorff, Anita
Donaldson, Ronnie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Carfax Publishing, Taylor and Francis Ltd
Abstract
Knowledge-based service industries, because they are geographically ‘footloose’, have the potential to contribute to small town and city economies. The university town of Stellenbosch, identified as having a high growth potential, is the location of a growing IT and knowledge-based service sector. Data from questionnaires completed by 104 Stellenbosch companies provided some insight into why they chose this town. Most said that, provided sufficient IT is available, they would be able to function as effectively in another town. This implies that they locate in Stellenbosch as a matter of preference rather than necessity. The paper provides insights into the reasons for the spatial clustering in South African non-metropolitan areas and how companies decide where to locate.
Description
Adendorff, A. & Donaldson, R. 2012. Knowledge-based service industry in a South African university town: the case of Stellenbosch. Development Southern Africa, 29(3):418-433, doi:10.1080/0376835X.2012.706038.
The original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2012.706038
Keywords
Information services industry -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch, Economic geography -- South Africa -- Stellenbosch
Citation
Adendorff, A. & Donaldson, R. 2012. Knowledge-based service industry in a South African university town: the case of Stellenbosch. Development Southern Africa, 29(3):418-433, doi:10.1080/0376835X.2012.706038.