The biotechnology industry is a unique “knowledge-based economy” that is influenced by numerous, difficult to quantify variables. Analysis of these factors is critical because they are hypothesized to affect biotechnology cluster development, but have not been included in traditional econometric studies. The potential impact of an analysis of these factors becomes apparent when considering the fact that the bio-based economy has an economic output in excess of $1.25 trillion, with some estimates as high as 10-20% of national GDP. Perhaps more importantly, the biotechnology industry generates biomedical innovation, creates high-paying jobs and an educated workforce, and can diversify and transform communities and economies. Nowhere else are the potent effects of this industry seen more clearly than in the states of Massachusetts and California, which are renowned leaders in biotech innovation and have created premier biotech clusters. Our study is a first of its kind that will analyze associations between demographic and infrastructure variables in biotechnology cluster development across multiple states. We anticipate this study will yield key policy insights for biotech development at the municipal and state levels.

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