Volume 17, Number 2 Article by Sanjaya N Joshi June, 2005
Creating a Biotechnology Hub:Lessons from the BioForest :
The numerous questions raised by bioinformatics, including those on public health funding, balancing innovation and manufacturing, and closing the chasm between genotype and phenotype, can probably be answered only by the 'scientist-manager', a breed that has evolved in the biotechnology hubs. Nurturing the scientist-manager requires a macro view of the lessons learnt from biotechnology hubs, where innovation is at the top of the value chain. Leadership through innovation is the cornerstone of biology.
In this article, Sanjaya N Joshi traces the 30-year history of the BioForest, a 'second-tier' life-sciences hub comprising four states in northwest USA and British Columbia in Canada, and a leading centre for immunology, cancer biology, proteomics, systems biology, ultrasound and cardiac technologies. He identifies the factors contributing to the growth of the region, including the setting up of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre (the 'Hutch'), with its early high-risk climate, in the late 1970s; the excellent academic research foundation which understands technology transfer; the critical mass of people and the connections they have formed over the years; and the lifestyle of the region. Out of the experience of the Seattle region's leaders and innovators, Joshi draws lessons for the setting up of such regional hubs. The following factors emerged as key to the development of a biotech hub: a strong education system that builds intellectual capital and provides training in entrepreneurial skills; a non-profit base funded by a consistent tax base (and charity); incisive technology transfer with early stage capital that ensures success (through participation by venture capital and the state government); bringing entrepreneurial thought leaders into the region and providing networking connections and mentorship through them; and the pro-active role played by the government regulatory authority. Other factors include an immediate need or crisis, political initiatives, individual or corporate champions and angel investors.
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