Practical Advice on Developing the Life Sciences Sector

There is a lot of hoopla out there about biotech and the life sciences sector. If you want a practical view of how and where firms in the sector locate, grow and startup, you might find this article "Bumper Crop: the New Life Science Clusters" in the May 2003 issue of Site Selection Magazine to be worthwhile reading.

The article talks about how the leading centers, like Washington DC, San Diego and others, started early in developing a presence in the field. It also discusses how new centers like Iowa have jockeyed their way into position with innovative, but practical, strategies that build on their core industry strengths.

This article offers some clear headed thinking for those trying to increase the commercial presence of the life sciences sector. Much of what is developing is only in the R&D phase, which is fine if you have 10 years to allow for the research to blossom into real businesses.