Consideration of Proximity in Selection of Residential Location by Science and Technology Workers: Case Study of Hsinchu, Taiwan

Abstract

The Hsinchu district has been one of the most rapidly developing areas of Taiwan during the past decade. The rise of the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park (HSIP) has significantly influenced population growth and living environment in the Hsinchu district. To obtain new knowledge via knowledge proliferation activities that occur following knowledge innovation, science and technology workers have been established based on the proximity of informal social network interactions and the existence of a common culture. Based on social, identified and cognitive proximities, this investigation examines whether science and technology workers directly assess their living environment while considering housing purchases, seeking information and making residential location decisions. This investigation employs regression analysis to examine the correlation between individual proximity factors and spatial proximity, based on the hypothesis that individual proximity influences residential location choices of science and technology communities. The study results indicate that the housing choice behaviours of the science and technology community follow two proximity paths, that is, internal and external proximity factors. Consequently, the pull created by individual proximity has slowed the spatial expansion of the Hsinchu region.

Knowledge intensive business services and client innovation

“…Regarding high-tech personnel turnover, around 62% of such personnel in HSIP changed jobs every 1-3 years (Chang, Lee, Lin, & Hu, 2010). 2.…”

Migrant knowledge workers: An empirical study of global Sydney as a knowledge city

“…Job or career opportunity is more important for international migrants, while proximity to spouse, family and/or friends is more important for internal migrants. The driving factors for internal migrants incorporate those for residential location of knowledge workers within a region or an intra-metropolitan area (Chang, Lee, Lin, & Hu, 2010;Frenkel, Bendit, & Kaplan, 2013), as well as extrametropolitan and inter-state migrants.…”

“…Methodologically, it adds to the existing analytical angles that either highlight the differences between high-end and low-end immigrants (Hugo, 2008), or emphasize the difference between locals and immigrants (Baum, 1997). Furthermore, comparing international and internal MKWs expands the scope of studies on the residential locations of knowledge workers within a knowledge-based urban development region or an intra-metropolitan area (Chang, Lee, Lin, & Hu, 2010;Frenkel, Bendit, & Kaplan, 2013).…”

Technopolis and Regional Development : A Review of Development Experience in Hsinchu, Taiwan

“…The success of HSIP and the formation of Hsinchu technopolis demonstrate that Science / Technology Park (STP) is an effective tool for integrating industry and regional development. Through the review of previous related studies (Hu et al 2005a;2005b;2006;Chang et al 2010), this paper intends to investigate the long term influences and the development process of Hsinchu technopolis in terms of the formation and evolution of a technology-based metropolitan area and its innovative environment. In addition, the critical factors influencing the future development of Hsinchu technopolis will be discussed.…”