GlobeSt.com: What are companies drawn to this cluster seeking in their real estate space?

Brady: Due to the fact that the technology cluster encompasses many different industries, the needs of firms within the space vary greatly. The region as a whole, however, has generally had a harder time keeping pace with the demand for industrial space—due, in part, to the dwindling supply of land available for development. Firms requiring larger amounts of industrial space can benefit from what North County has to offer in terms of available land for industrial development.

GlobeSt.com: How does this market stack up geographically for labor and hiring purposes?

Brady: Overall, the Corridor has a higher-than-average concentration of tech talent—nearly 20% greater than the national average. Key occupations in tech have grown by an average of 8% over the last five years, and local employers are poised to benefit from that. Much of the growth in tech talent can be attributed to region's many educational institutions, which do a fantastic job of producing STEM talent; aligning well with many tech occupations. Additionally, many entry-level tech jobs don't necessarily require a four-year degree; on-the-job training, specialized certificates, and associate's degrees provide the necessary foundation for many technical, high-paying jobs in technology, including assemblers, machinists and supervisors.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about the 78 Corridor?

Brady: The 78 Corridor has many opportunities for firms looking to take advantage of a competitive business climate, an unrivaled quality of life and a highly skilled workforce.

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SAN DIEGO—Firms requiring larger amounts of industrial space can benefit from what North County has to offer, San Diego Regional EDC director Kirby Brady tells GlobeSt.com. According to a recent survey by Innovate78 titled “Tech: A Look at the San Diego Region's 78 Corridor,” which Brady authored, the 78 Corridor of San Diego—home to well-established companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific and ViaSat, as well as up-and-comers 3 Screens and Zingle—has enabled North County San Diego to emerge as a hub for technology. In fact, one in five tech firms in San Diego County is located along the 78 Corridor (which includes Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista).

We spoke with Brady about why innovative firms are drawn to the corridor and what they are seeking in their real estate.

GlobeSt.com: Why has the 78 Corridor grown so much as an innovation/tech cluster for San Diego?

Brady: Growth in the cluster is being driven primarily by biotech and biomed devices in particular; this segment alone has seen the most impressive growth—more than 19% since 2010. The 78 Corridor has been able to capitalize on the fact that San Diego County is already a leader and internationally recognized hub for the life sciences. And while much of the research and development is happening further south up on the Torrey Pines mesa, the five cities along the 78 Corridor offer an attractive business climate and can provide for firms requiring large amounts of space, whether for manufacturing operations or warehousing.

GlobeSt.com: What are companies drawn to this cluster seeking in their real estate space?

Brady: Due to the fact that the technology cluster encompasses many different industries, the needs of firms within the space vary greatly. The region as a whole, however, has generally had a harder time keeping pace with the demand for industrial space—due, in part, to the dwindling supply of land available for development. Firms requiring larger amounts of industrial space can benefit from what North County has to offer in terms of available land for industrial development.

GlobeSt.com: How does this market stack up geographically for labor and hiring purposes?

Brady: Overall, the Corridor has a higher-than-average concentration of tech talent—nearly 20% greater than the national average. Key occupations in tech have grown by an average of 8% over the last five years, and local employers are poised to benefit from that. Much of the growth in tech talent can be attributed to region's many educational institutions, which do a fantastic job of producing STEM talent; aligning well with many tech occupations. Additionally, many entry-level tech jobs don't necessarily require a four-year degree; on-the-job training, specialized certificates, and associate's degrees provide the necessary foundation for many technical, high-paying jobs in technology, including assemblers, machinists and supervisors.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about the 78 Corridor?

Brady: The 78 Corridor has many opportunities for firms looking to take advantage of a competitive business climate, an unrivaled quality of life and a highly skilled workforce.