Growing Global: Learning Locations in the Life Sciences

This research explores the role of place in corporate location strategy by following the global footsteps of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company. Examining a life science company model whose acquisitions strongly affected industry strategy provides examples of place characteristics modifying high tech corporate strategy in four very different metropolitan areas: Indianapolis, Research Triangle, San Diego and Shanghai. Targeted interviews explore institutional, human, and place features. This case study illustrates why choosing the best learning location—where both structured and informal information exchange networks can nurture companies—is key to achieving competitive advantage through site selection.