Bioscience Initiatives
Lawrence and Douglas County
has been gaining increased commitment to the biosciences industry. With the presence
of the University
of Kansas and many community
resources for biosciences, we are poised for continued growth in the biosciences
industry in the future.
In 2004 the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce commissioned the Bioscience Impact Study
to analyze the current economic and fiscal impacts of the bioscience industry in
Douglas County, evaluate the economic impacts of several potential growth scenarios
for the industry over the next decade, and provide an analysis of both regional
strengths and weaknesses that are likely to influence the industry’s growth in the
county.
Executive Summary of Biosciences Study
Lawrence
Resources for Biosciences
Lawrence Douglas County Biosciences Authority – The purposes of the LDCBA include
development of a strategic plan for biosciences industry development in Douglas
County, collaboration building with other biosciences organizations and advocacy
for biosciences funding on State and Federal level.
The Lawrence Technology
Association, the state's only technology networking group, provides researchers,
scientists, businesses and entrepreneurs networking opportunities. The
Lawrence Regional Technology Center,
a business incubator, provides valuable resources and services for technology-based
companies. In addition, the KU Small
Business Development Center works to grow
Kansas
entrepreneurs by providing low cost
training
seminars, and one-to-one
counseling
services.
Lawrence Bioscience Companies
Lawrence is home
to
several biosciences companies.
Kansas City
Area Biosciences Organizations
Lawrence works closely with the Kansas City area life sciences
organizations to build the environment for continued growth and investment. The
following are links to biosciences organizations in the area:
University of
Kansas Biosciences Connection
A broad range of engineering, scientific and clinical endeavors has placed KU
at the center of the hub of national activity in advancing human biosciences and
information technology.
The #2 Pharmacy School of all public universities in the United States,
Kansas University is a significant player in biosciences.
KU has also made significant gains in research expenditures with an estimated 9,000
jobs created each year from KU research. In 2003, KU was ranked as the fastest growing
University for life sciences research as reported by the National Institute of Health
Among community resources for biosciences is the
University of Kansas Higuchi Biosciences
Center, the only Center for Research for Biosciences
in the state of
Kansas. Higuchi marshals expertise for research in a range
of scientific disciplines that create technology available for commercial licensing
and has led to the creation of several new companies.
Transfer of technology is one of the most active growth sectors of the U.S. economy. The
University of
Kansas encourages cooperation
and discovery conducive to the creation of tech- based products for the marketplace.
The KU Office of
Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property works closely with designated
research centers at the University and external economic development organizations
to bridge the gap between technology development and commercial application.