Flinn Foundation Press Room

Bioscience Roadmap Facts

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Overview

Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap, the state’s long-term strategy to advance its bioscience sector, was launched by a comprehensive study in April 2002 by Battelle, commissioned by the Flinn Foundation. The study concluded that Arizona has many of the essential elements needed to become a national leader in niche areas of the biosciences, but must strengthen its medical research base and build a critical mass of bioscience firms and jobs.

The study outlined a 10-year roadmap that can “fast track” Arizona on a path to achieve national bioscience stature and a stronger, more diversified economy, while providing Arizonans access to the latest healthcare innovations. The study called for increased public- and private-sector investments, plus collaboration among Arizona’s higher education, industry, and nonprofit sectors.

Battelle recommended that Arizona concentrate its efforts on specific scientific disciplines in which it is positioned to achieve national prominence within 3-5 years (bioengineering, cancer research, neurological sciences, bio-imaging) and others within 5-10 years (agricultural biotechnology, asthma, diabetes, and infectious disease). The study also outlined specific actions involving business- and policy-oriented issues.

Since then, numerous committees of statewide experts in science, business, and policy have worked to implement the Roadmap’s recommendations.  At present, nearly 300 individuals serve on 17 committees, led by the 75-member Steering Committee of statewide bioscience champions. This body is chaired by Martin L. Shultz, Vice President of Government Affairs for Pinnacle West Capital Corp. The vice chair is Ron Shoopman, President of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council.

 

Biosciences

One of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy, the biosciences offers an opportunity to establish a high-wage, technology-driven employment base of highly skilled workers. According to the Battelle study, the biosciences builds upon Arizona’s strengths in electronics, optics, and advanced engineering, and brings stability to the state’s economy by balancing more cyclical industries. The Battelle definition of biosciences includes five sub-sectors:

  1. Organic and Agricultural Chemicals
  2. Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
  3. Hospitals
  4. Medical Devices and Instruments
  5. Research, Testing, and Labs

Battelle

The world’s largest private, nonprofit organization recognized for technology development, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Battelle’s Technology Partnership Practice provides research and facilitation for the Roadmap project, led by senior advisor Walter H. Plosila, Ph.D..

The Flinn Foundation

A Phoenix-based, private, nonprofit philanthropic endowment developing Arizona as a global bioscience research and commercial center. The Foundation fosters and supports multi-institutional collaboration and partnerships; it commissioned the Roadmap project and staffs its committees and workgroups.

Arizona Biomedical Research Commission

A state agency established by the Arizona Legislature in 1984 to improve the health of Arizonans through scientific research. The Commission is co-funding and facilitating the Roadmap’s translational-research component.


For more information, contact Flinn Foundation.