State Leads in U.S. with R&D; Park Projects

California continues to lead the nation with both the largest total number of research and development facilities and the largest number of new and expanded facilities, according to Site Selection Handbook, a publication of the Atlanta-based Industrial Development Research Council.

California has 273 corporate and federally sponsored R&D; facilities of a national total of 2,982. Of the state’s facilities, 31 are new. Los Angeles is the fourth largest metropolitan center, with 66. Washington is first, with 182. Of these, 86 are federal.

The presence of research-oriented universities is a major attraction for firms and federal agencies planning R&D; facilities, the handbook reports.

Other factors influencing the selection of a site are quality of life, access to an international airport and a favorable business climate.