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

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.