Inverness Airport Business Park is the long term solution to the physical space constraints in the area arising from the rapid growth of the local economy.
Traditionally the Highland economy was largely based on primary production with a particular emphasis on farming, forestry and fishing. The Inverness economy was weighted towards government administration and its role as a hub for the distribution of goods throughout one of Europe's largest hinterlands. While these elements are still important, the economy has been fuelled in recent years by population growth and both a broadening and deepening of the private sector. This process is partly driven by the pro-active approach of the local enterprise agency, Highland & Islands Enterprise (a shareholder in IABP) and partly due to an increased awareness of the quality of life that the area offers. Sectors experiencing notable growth include the knowledge industries, in particular Information Technology and Biotechnology, Manufacturing, Building and Construction, food and drink.
Focussed on Lifescan and Johnson & Johnson, the area is becoming a centre of global significance in medical diagnostics; in addition, the proposed campus for the University of the Highlands & Islands, situated between the city and the business park, will add value to the knowledge base in the area and stimulate the business start up rate which is already one of the highest in the country.