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TeachersArizona Biosciences: A Success Story
Phoenix is the hub of the bioscience (also called biomedical or biotechnical) industry in the Southwest. Planned collaborations between educational institutions, facilities and businesses have led to tremendous growth all over the state in the past 10 years. Arizona is now a fast-emerging biomedical research and bioscience commercial center. Arizona facilities are recognized for world-class research, clinical excellence, and a growing base of cutting-edge businesses.
Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) explains how collaborations between research, treatment centers, and business development stimulate the growth of Arizona’s entire biomedical field.
In 2002, Arizona began to unroll a statewide strategy that would promote growth in bioscience and related fields. Now the bioscience industry provides 96,000 jobs with an average wage of $55,350 and generates $28 billion in annual revenue. Jobs in biosciences are growing nearly four faster than in the nation, and continued to grow during the recession.
This promising field provides prestige and economic opportunities to the state. Biosciences also address troubling questions of human health, disease, and the search for alternative energy. Biomedical research can contribute to a healthier world. It is estimated that over a third of the population will develop cancer. Over one third will develop heart disease. A third will develop diabetes, and one person in eight will develop Alzheimer's disease. Arizona is developing genomic treatments and other therapies for these devestating illnesses. Advancements in these fields are improving quality of life worldwide. Arizonans also benefit from state-of-the art health care systems.
The Flinn Foundation has created an interactive BioMap of Arizona featuring information on Arizona bioscience firms, research institutes, educational institutions, hospitals, and more. Search by location or facility to find a complete and up to date picture of the wealth of bioscience offerings in Arizona.
Bioscience Growth
Between 2002 and 2010, jobs in the bioscience private sector increased by 41% and jobs in bioscience firms increased by 27%, far exceeding overall growth in the U.S. In the same time period, bioscience wages in Arizona increased by 27%, even though they declined overall in 2010. Growth of this magnitude is made possible by the creation of organizations that encourage collaborations between different realms of the biosciences.
From Research to Treatment
Arizona became a leader in the bioscience by forming active partnerships in the industry. Research institutions work directly with hospitals and biotech companies to develop treatments and products based on patient needs. This theme of cooperation is at the heart of the success of the Arizona biosciences.
Collaborations
Arizona State University and TOUCH, a biomedical company developing alternate testing methods for people with diabetes, are working together to help diabetes patients.
A new partnership between Northern Arizona University and Flagship Bioscience is changing the way undergraduate students view tissue samples and enhancing their career outlook at the same time.
