Knowledge intensive businesses

The sector includes computer and related activities, research and experimental development, and business activities such as legal, advertising, testing, market research, design services and engineering and management consultancy.

Over 45% of all employment in Devon was in the knowledge intensive sector in 2008, with even higher proportions in Exeter. Knowledge intensive businesses are heavily reliant on professional expertise, involve a high degree of interaction between professionals and are primarily concerned with providing support for the business processes of other organisations. They are typically highly productive, have high levels of innovation and demand a skilled workforce. They offer significant future growth potential.  Examples of such companies in Devon include TwoFour Group, Actavis Pharmaceuticals and Pangaea TV Production.

 

With highly regarded university research facilities, a range of different businesses already operating in the sector, an innovation centre, an emerging network of flexible workhub spaces,  one science park and plans well underway to develop a second, Devon is rapidly driving forward its knowledge economy. With a fast-growing business base and a dynamic and flexible workforce, the sector offers exciting business opportunities.

Knowledge-intensive business distribution