Sustaining Greater Boston's Life Science Leadership

Read a copy of the full report.

Overview
Greater Boston has long been recognized as a leader in scientific research, medical technology, and health care. It has four essential elements that have positioned it as a life science super cluster:

• An extensive network of world-renowned research and educational institutions, universities, and companies;

• A wealth of talent in those institutions and in a highly-skilled regional workforce;

• Significant federal research funding and venture
  capital; and

• Civic leadership in both the private and public sectors dedicated to the growth of the life sciences and the region's overall economy.

Greater Boston's future leadership in the life sciences is not guaranteed. The competition from other recognized life science clusters and emerging markets across the globe is intensifying. More needs to be done by leaders in the government, business and advocacy sectors to ensure that Greater Boston and Massachusetts are life science world leaders for decades to come.

The Report's key recommendations are:

• Strengthen Greater Boston's bioinformatics sector through federal funding, state tax policy, and proactive marketing;

• Reduce obstacles to entry of foreign-born skilled workers and students into the United States;

• Increase the availability of higher education-based worker training, and strengthen connections between the life science industry and higher education;

• Promote streamlined permitting processes and preplanning for life science development; and

• Expand housing supply and promote workforce housing opportunities.

The Chamber will work with leaders in government, the life sciences, and the broader business community, as well as with leaders in other advocacy organizations, to implement these recommendations and make Greater Boston an unparalleled location for the growth of the life science industry in the years ahead.