The Leader - March/April 2009 - (Page 54) LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES: BIOTECH INDUSTRY PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN GLOBAL ISSUES, OFFERS INTRIGUING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT behind that is to make sure we align our infrastructure and make sure we capture as much of that R&D as possible. The region has been trying to mobilize everything we can to make sure this goes well.” Wright State’s Center for Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA) has worked with the Dayton Regional Commission for nearly 10 years on researching and germinating a biotech cluster. The effort included collecting data and looking at other states’ and regions’ best practices and incentives and using North American Industry Classification System codes to identify bio firms already in the state and region and geospatial patterns. At the beginning of the decade, CUPA’s research identified approximately 40 companies in the field, and now that list has grown to approximately 80, including 42 involved in bio-related manufacturing as well as a significant presence with Procter & Gamble. “There’s already starting to be a stronger biotech presence regionally,” Dockery said. In Central Ohio, Dublin uses its proximity to Ohio State University in nearby Columbus and a concentration of corporate heavyweights to propel its biotech sector. Already home to more than 50 small and medium-sized bio and pharma companies, Dublin is home to Cardinal Health, an $87 billion provider of healthcare supplies and technology; chemicals and plastics concern Ashland; Butler Animal Health; and Dublin Methodist Hospital, one of the most technologically advanced medical centers in the U.S. “It's a story of people wanting to be closer to these other companies, but, at the same time, a well-trained work force,” said Dana McDaniel, Dublin’s economic development director. “With that corporate environment, those assets are going to attract a diverse array of other companies and entrepreneurs. It springs off a lot of entrepreneurship and people who want to start their own companies.” Ohio’s BioOhio initiative also seeks to capitalize – for the whole state – on assets such as the Cleveland Clinic, Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati and medical and research facilities clustered around Ohio State, including institutions like Battelle and Chemical Abstracts Service. Arkansas Ascendant With Arkansas’ biotech sector, the state relies on a mix of old and new. Arkansas has emerged as a center for cancer treatment and research, and the state has long relied on its agricultural sector as an economic NEED WATER FOR YOUR DAILY OPERATIONS? The Dayton Region excels in the ability to obtain T H E D AYT O N R EG I O N HA S IT A LL high quality water and in the quantity needed, with aquifers yielding more than 13,900 gallons per minute. Visit WWW.DAYTONREGION.COM to learn more. To learn more, please visit or contact: Marty Hohenberger, VP of Business Development (937) 229-9081 (800) 241-2469 mhohenberger@daytonregion.com WWW. D AYT O N R EG I ON.COM 2 0 0 9 THE LE ADE R 54 MARCH / APRIL http://WWW.DAYTONREGION.COM http://WWW.DAYTONREGION.COM http://WWW.DAYTONREGION.COM
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