Montreal executing aggressive life sciences strategy

The decision by DSM Biologics to double its bio-manufacturing capacity in Montreal has given the tri-government initiative to increase life sciences activity in the region an early and significant victory. Released last spring, the action plan — Accelerating the Development of the Life Sciences Cluster — is an unprecedented effort to capitalize and expand on Montreal’s existing life sciences capabilities to make them the basis of a world class cluster.

The Biotechnology Research Institute represents a major pillar in the emerging cluster, along with the aera’s universities and the presence of many foreign multinationals and domestic companies. Funding from all levels of government and incentive schemes to attract the private sector have already accomplished a rapid escalation of the sector. The federal, provincial and municipal governments have all selected biotechnology as a major tenant of Mont-real’s social and economic future.

But the action plan, prepared by Montreal International, contends that much more must be done quickly to ensure continued growth.

“The region will have to build on its strengths and deal quickly with its weaknesses. It must evaluate progress using precise indicators and abandon its current reactive approach to competition and the dynamics of the life sciences sector,” states the report.

The plan covers the period between 2002 and 2010 and contains 25 recommendations, the first being the creation of a Metropolitan Montreal Life Sciences Committee to oversee implementation of the strategy. Many address infrastructure requirements, but others involve financial, research, taxation and regulatory measures.

“This strategy requires BRI to modify its role in serving Montreal and major investments are required,” says BRI DG Dr Michel Desrochers.

FMI: www.montrealinternational.com

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