Arizona’s growing biosciences base received prominent mention in the cover story of the June edition of Biotech Tech, a Tempe-based national trade journal on technology in the life sciences.
The article, “The Great Race: Cities, States and Regions Vie for the Almighty Bio Dollar,” highlights Arizona to exemplify the many regional efforts to build an economic future through the life sciences. Areas cited include Washington state; Puerto Rico; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; Sacramento, Calif; New Orleans; Charleston, S.C.; Indiana; Kansas City; Tennessee; and Illinois.
The article cites the 2002 study by the Battelle Memorial Institute to develop a long-term plan to build Arizona’s biosciences infrastructure, including a list of lessons-learned. Also mentioned are the Translational Genomics Research Institute, International Genomics Consortium, and collaborative efforts in southern Arizona involving the government, private sector, and University of Arizona, including its Science and Technology Park.
Steve Weathers, CEO of the Greater Tucson Economic Council, is quoted as comparing today’s Tucson to San Diego of the late 1980s, before it became a biosciences powerhouse. Weathers helped to pioneer that effort.
For more information:
“The Great Race: Cities, States and Regions Vie for the Almighty Bio Dollar,” Biotech Tech, 6/2003