Michigan Develops Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Strategy

Concerned that it currently lacks the “critical mass” required to be a leader in biotechnology, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has prepared the Michigan Life Sciences Strategy, which outlines a plan to develop its universities, industries, and infrastructure to nurture biotechnology entrepreneurship over the next decade. 

In developing the strategy, MEDC conducted three studies: a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis; a comparative analysis of competitor states and best practices in public biotech programs; and a situational analysis of Michigan's current portfolio of programs and activities related to life sciences. The best practices and comparison analysis are drawn from Maryland and North Carolina. 



Specific policy recommendations are presented across four broad vision strategies for Michigan, including: 

• Foster a vibrant entrepreneurial culture to support the formation and growth of life sciences firms in Michigan. 
• Establish mechanisms to promote in-state industry-university collaboration and technology commercialization, leveraging Michigan’s world-class research base. 
• Retain and expand Michigan’s existing life sciences industry base by improving the business climate for operating life sciences companies in Michigan. 
• Establish an image for Michigan as a leading life sciences business location and actively promote the State’s life sciences potential within and outside the State. 

To view the 88-page Michigan Life Sciences Strategy, visit the Michigan Economic Development Corporation web site http://medc.michigan.org/ and click on “Michigan Life Sciences Corridor.” The report was prepared for MEDC by Battelle Memorial Institute.