LANSING ? At a forum in Lansing Tuesday, leading experts pounded home this point – Michigan needs to create an environment that fosters economic growth for the state’s biotech and life science industry that helps all companies, regardless of size, succeed.
The forum brought together biotechnology executives, venture capitalists, academicians, policymakers and business leaders from across the state to discuss the current and future state of Michigan?s biotech and life science industry.
Academics from Michigan?s research universities and representatives from the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry emphasized the importance of creating a working partnership among business, higher education and state government.
Stephen Rapundalo, executive director of Mich Bio, said the conference was a chance for researchers, business leaders, and policy makers to engage in a thoughtful discussion about where Michigan?s biotech industry is headed.
o?It?s critical that we create an environment in Michigan that fosters economic growth for Michigan?s biotech and life science industry that helps all companies ? from the hundreds of small biotech start-ups to the large, international pharmaceutical researchers, all of whom call Michigan home.? Rapundalo said. ?To create this environment, we must call on state lawmakers to support policies that will continue to help this industry flourish and give Michigan a strong competitive edge.?
Several speakers highlighted the need for a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. The event featured decision makers and leaders at several Michigan biotech organizations. Besides Rapundalo, the experts included:
David Canter, senior vice president, Pfizer:
Jeff Mason, senior vice president, Michigan Economic Development Corp;
Jim Barret, CEO, Michigan Chamber of Commerce;
Lindsay Aspergren, North Coast Technology Investors.
The event was held at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and was sponsored by MichBio, The Michigan Chamber, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
