Title: Measuring the impact of technological innovation on sustainable development in San Diego

Authors: Michael D. Williams

Addresses: State of Alaska Department of Revenue, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 500, Anchorage, Alaska, USA

Abstract: This paper outlines the impact of technological innovation on the San Diego economy comparing the economic performance of clusters classified as technologically innovative with clusters classified as non-innovative. Utility patents are used as a proxy for innovation and are obtained for the years 1990–1999. The Standard Industrial Classification code is assigned to companies awarded patents and is used to assign company patents to the clusters. Clusters with a relatively high ratio of patents to employees are called ||Innovative|| since it appears patenting is an integral part of their business. In the San Diego economy, the innovative clusters have the highest average annual growth rates in wages, business formation and new investment monies received. It is these robust economic characteristics that are more likely to lead to sustainable development.

Keywords: industrial clusters; economic development; technological innovation; utility patents; San Diego; sustainable development; technology; economic performance; sustainable economic growth.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2005.006725

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2005 Vol.2 No.1, pp.11 - 34

Published online: 04 Apr 2005 *

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