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Technology Alliance Releases Bold Plan to Invest in Washington Research
Statewide coalition calls for public-private partnership to make Washington a world leader in life sciences and information technology and generate new jobs and health care innovations for the people of our state
SEATTLE, October 20, 2004 - The Technology Alliance (TA), a statewide consortium of leaders from business, research institutions, and high-tech trade associations dedicated to Washington's long-term economic success, today released a report detailing a plan for a public-private partnership to invest in our state's research capacity. The TA has identified strong research capacity as one of the three key drivers of Washington's future economic competitiveness.
The report, Bio 21: Implementing Washington State's Initiative in 21st Century Health, proposes creation of a Bio 21 Trust Fund to make competitive grants to our state's research institutions and their private-sector collaborators to support research and commercialization activities at the convergence of the life sciences and information technology. The program seeks to build upon Washington's existing assets - world-class research institutions, innovative companies and scientific and entrepreneurial talent - and make our state a world leader in the emerging field of predictive and preventive medicine by targeting projects with commercial and clinical potential.
"Washington State has one of the most dynamic and collaborative biomedical research environments in the country," said Dr. Lee Hartwell, President & Director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, TA board member and member of the Bio 21 Steering Committee. "Having both characteristics in one locale is nearly unique and provides a very powerful engine for advancing the application of research to patients."
As coordinator of the project, the TA assembled leaders from Washington's public and private research institutions, industry, state government and the community to serve on the Bio 21 Steering Committee. This non-partisan, statewide coalition recommends that Washington enact legislation to dedicate $450 million in state and private funds for a grants program through 2017. The program will seek to leverage additional funds from federal and other sources for a total impact of $1.35 billion, and generate over 20,000 jobs and innovative health care advancements for the citizens of our state.
"Washington State has a distinguished history leading global technical revolutions," notes committee member Rob Arnold, President & COO of Geospiza, Inc. and member of the TA board. "Aerospace was the first, software the second. The biotechnology stakes are the highest yet as it has the potential to deliver health benefits for every living being and create products and services that will touch one-third of the global economy. Bio 21 will anchor our competitiveness in global research and provide a critical platform for us to build commercial success."
Many states and nations are making substantial investments in their own research sectors, recognizing that all sectors of the global economy are becoming increasingly reliant on research and innovation. In order to elevate Washington's competitiveness, the committee agreed that a coordinated statewide strategy supported by state resources is called for.
"Research is an economic powerhouse," said committee member Dr. Paul Ramsey, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean, University of Washington School of Medicine. "Not only does it provide our region with high-paying jobs, but sustained growth and consumer demands fuel the local economy as well. We have a unique opportunity to create new approaches to improve health care, while at the same time contributing to the development of a robust economy."
"Bio 21 is a scientific and societal accelerator," said Dr. Paul Robertson, President, CEO and Scientific Director of the Pacific Northwest Research Institute. "It will speed basic discoveries of our health science laboratories into the clinic and the marketplace. Consequently, it will help us better predict, prevent, and treat disease. And, it will enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of the citizens of Washington."
The report issues a call to action to our state to enact the Bio 21 Strategic Trust Fund legislation in 2005 to enable the program to ramp up to full operation by 2008.
The text of the full report is available online at www.technology-alliance.com.