Biotechnology Innovation Experience

I have been thinking about biotechnology, and thought I would share a couple of references. While the articles focus on the United States, the lessons they teach might be applied in developing nations.

Biotechnology will not repeat the path of information and communication technologies, but it is a burgeoning field with great promise for developing nations.

Signs of Life: The Growth of Biotechnology Centers in the U.S.

Summary: "Biotechnology is at the heart of a fast-growing new sector of the U.S. economy, and as the industry expands, it has become a focal point of many local, regional, and state economic development strategies. This report provides an analysis of biotechnology activity in the 51 largest U.S. metropolitan areas and finds that the industry is heavily concentrated in nine regions. These nine areas excel because they possess two key ingredients necessary for biotech growth: strong research, and the ability to convert that research into commercial activity. By comparing the 51 metro areas on their research and commercialization capacities, this report can help inform regions seeking to capture a share of the nation's biotechnology growth." Joseph Cortright and Heike Mayer, The Brookings Institution, June 2002.

Mind to Market: A Global Analysis of University Biotechnology Transfer and Commercialization

From the Summary: "In this study, Milken Institute researchers examine the biotechnology transfer process taking place at universities, from knowledge creation to technology transfer and early-stage commercialization. A key focus of the investigation is the role played by technology transfer professionals. Research is essential for commercial outcome, but the technology transfer professional is crucial in the successful conversion of knowledge to the private sector." Among the Key Findings: "* Harvard University ranks first in terms of biotech research, as measured by papers and citations, followed by the University of Tokyo and University of London. U.S. universities hold eight of the top 10, and 28 of the top 40 positions. California universities hold five of the top 25 rankings; the UK and Japan hold three each. * The University of Texas system scores first on our Biotech Patent Composite Index, followed by U.C. San Francisco — which is likely first among individual campuses since the University of Texas doesn’t report data on individual campuses — and Johns Hopkins. Nine of the top 10 patent holders are U.S. universities. The University of London ranks first among foreign universities (10th overall). * Our University Technology Transfer and Commercialization Index shows MIT first on outcome measures, which include such factors as licensing income and startups. The University of California system ranks second (led by U.C. San Francisco), with Caltech third, Stanford fourth and Florida fifth. The University of British Columbia was the highest-ranked Canadian institution, coming in eighth overall. * Among U.S., Canadian and European universities, the United States leads in invention disclosures, patents filed and granted, licenses executed and licensing income. However, European universities surpass their U.S. counterparts in startups established." Ross DeVol and Armen Bedroussian, with Anna Babayan, Meggy Frye, Daniela Murphy, Tomas J. Philipson, Lorna Wallace, Perry Wong and Benjamin Yeo, The Milken Institute, September 20, 2006.