The study for microscopic location of multinational R&D institutions in China: A case study of Suzhou Industrial Park

Based on the neoclassical microeconomic location theory, the paper studies the spatial layout of multinational corporations in China, and takes Suzhou Industrial Park as an empirical case. Suzhou Industrial Park has been in the development of export-oriented economy since 1994, industry-embedded by the government´s economic promotion. By using GIS space analysis technology, this paper concludes that the micro layout of multinational R&D institutions tends to layout in the following three types of location: the large multinational companies, the industry gathering areas, and the centralized innovation parks (planned by the government). The spatial pattern gradually forms a “point - axis - area” evolution model. Finally, the article points out that by planning scientific and technological innovation park, making out of science and technology policies, local government can play a key role in creating regional innovation atmosphere, and attracting the R&D institutions to settle.