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Circling the Research Triangle

Categories: Business creation & development; longitudinal database; regional industries & economies

Overview: This database matches a variety of data sources useful for studying the industrial genesis of the region surrounding the Research Triangle in North Carolina. The objective is to develop a robust platform for integrating diverse data sources to provide insights into regional industrial development. Maryann Feldman and Nichola Lowe, with UNC students, have created a relational database that follows individual firms over time and also provides educational background data and career histories on founders.

Unit of Analysis: Establishment

Coverage: Universe of entrepreneurial starts-up and establishments in technology-intensive industries (e.g., life
sciences, information and communication technology, gaming, cleantech and business services) in the 13-county North Carolina Research Triangle Park region from 1962 to the present

Size: More than 3,900 establishments

Form: Database

Geographic Details: 13-county Research Triangle region as designated by the Research Triangle Regional Partnership
Circling the Research Triangle

Key Data Elements:

  • Year of incorporation for startups
  • Year of relocation for established firms formed outside the region
  • Sector, subsector & technology
  • Complete address
  • Corporate affiliations, if applicable
  • Annual Employment
  • Annual Sales
  • Annual Patent filings
  • Participation in business development programs and initiatives
  • Key financial milestones, such as
    • Venture capital infusion
    • Federal small business assistance financing
    • State grants & awards
  • Liquidity events, such as
    • IPO
    • Acquisitions
    • Mergers
    • Bankruptcy
  • Educational attainment and career history of founders (for startups)

Timeframe: Annual from 1962 to the present

Frequency: Collected continuously & still under development

Data Collection Method: Original data collection & synthesis

Access: Currently available upon request

Uses for Regional Analysis: The database allows for an in-depth understanding of the complexity of the process of regional economic change and the role of constituent organizations over time. The underlying data collection methodology and database structure may be replicated in other places.

For Additional Information:

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