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A la recherche de nouveaux emplacements: une ttude en Appalachia central des decisions portant sur la localisation, Reg. Studies 23, 15-30. Cet article analyse le comportement des fabricants en Appalachia central i la recherche d'un emplacement, et developpe un mod& de la prise de decisions hitrarchique sous des conditions d'informations imparfaites. Des interviews des managers des ttablissements permettent une tvaluation des faqons locales et rtgionales de faire de la recherche. I1 est demontrt que l'ensemble des facteurs qui influent sur la dtcision de faire de la recherche i l'kchelon regional se distingue de l'ensemble des facteurs qui influent sur la recherche locale. En plus le comportement des entreprises i ttablissements multiples i la recherche d'un emplacement s'exprime en fonction des objectifs portant sur la minimisation des coats tandis que le comportement des entreprises 1 un ttablissement est plus particulier. Cette analyse laisse voir que I'avantage comparatif de 1'Appalachia central consiste dans une certaine mesure en ClectricitC bon marchi.

Many states that are involved in science and technology planning are selecting particular focus areas for state investment. In states with strong science and technology capacity, focus areas can relate to existing strengths. In predominantly rural states, there may not be a strong science and technology foundation, so new areas that do not reflect existing strengths may be selected. This article describes West Virginia’s first effort in statewide science and technology planning. The article shows that the existing research and development capability is dominated by the chemicals industry but that the recently formed Science and Technology Advisory Council looked to new areas (information technologies and identification technologies) for investment and development. The rationale for the selection of these areas is explained.

The importance of local infrastructure, institutions, and service providers to the development of a competitive technology-based economy has been well established in recent years. Rural states, which lack many of the ingredients found in successful technology districts, must overcome serious problems in efforts to build a technologically-based economy. Problems include the lack of major metropolitan areas, limited research capabilities of the local universities, limited industrial research and development, a lack of research infrastructure, an over dependency on a resource-based economy, and the problem of competing with well-established technology regions. West Virginia is an example of such a state in the southeastern United States. This paper examines the status of West Virginia's research and development competitiveness and the relationship of factors associated with competitiveness of manufacturing establishments in the state. Results of a survey of manufacturers are presented. The survey shows that establishments with scientific and engineering staff, and those that purchase advanced business services, are more likely to have nationally competitive primary products or processes. West Virginia is taking steps to improve its science and technology position, and policymakers in West Virginia, as well as in other lagging states, need to understand the depth of support needed for long-term technology-based industrial development.

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