In my capacity as Senior HealthCare Planner at Hilliard Architects, I attend many business and technology events. Recently I sat in on a fascinating virtual presentation sponsored by the Bay Area Biotech Forum and pharma/life sciences giant Bayer and moderated by life sciences reporter Ron Leuty of the San Francisco Business Times.
Even if you do not have any biotech design/construction projects planned for the foreseeable future, this 5-minute read offers some interesting insights into an important player in this area’s fast-changing economy.
Here are a few key points covered by the forum:
- Many observers see life sciences companies as influenced by funding, but the five participants in the forum were unanimous that their focus is on having a positive impact on the lives of individuals. Their research is driven by understanding nature and incorporating it into their research processes.
- Diversity is critical. As boards of directors become more inclusive, the talent pool companies draw upon will also broaden, spurring rapid growth.
- Science is a force for good, and biotechnology enterprises are contributing to social causes, such as working with the homeless.
One point I particularly want to call out is that the Bay Area biotechnology community is actively planning for the future. It is nurturing the next generation of workers through support for relevant educational programs. And arguably as important, it is grappling with the following issues:
- As companies expand, will they choose to continue manufacturing their products in the Bay Area?
- How are we investing in the innovation ecosystem to keep biotech a leading economic growth engine?
- What does the continued growth of biotech mean to this region and your business?
