The region's cluster has evolved over time, with the technologies and labor force developed at one time creating the conditions for further growing the industry in later periods. This process is influenced by the region's institutions, culture and quality of life. In addition, Silicon Forest firms create demand for a wide range of supporting industries in metals, plastics, staffing services, legal, engineering and professional fields, and highly specialized construction and finance. The Silicon Forest is a critical factor in the region's economic well-being. The driving force in Portland's high technology industry expansion is the emergence of the region as a key center for new knowledge creation.
Various indicators underscore the region's progress in knowledge creation.
Patenting activity is growing more rapidly in the metro area than in the nation, spurred largely by the growth of high technology, which accounts for the bulk of the region's patent activity. Intel is the region's largest patenter, and Oregon-based researchers account for a majority of Intel's US patents. Unlike other high tech centers, Portland's strengths in high tech knowledge creation and strong educational attainment seem to have been achieved without the presence of a perceived world-class research university. The growth of the high tech industry itself, particularly large firms such as Tektronix and Intel, have played a crucial role in stimulating the development of the region's knowledge base. The Silicon Forest renews itself and grows through the ongoing process of creating new businesses.