Session Date: August 18, 2005
Annual Meeting Session Summary: Biomedical Research and Economic Development
By Amy Ruble
Communications Specialist, Washington State House Democratic Caucus
This summary is provided for information purposes only. NCSL does not endorse any views it contains.
SEATTLE - While advances in biotechnology generate new cures for human ailments, they also bring new challenges to policymakers. A panel of experts at the National Conference of State Legislatures' "Strong States Strong Nation" 2005 Annual Meeting raised important issues about the ways government and biotechnology research institutions interact.
Nobel laureate Dr. Lee Hartwell, president and director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and professor of Genetics at the University of Washington; researcher Dr. Leroy Hood, president of the Institute for Systems Biology; and Dr. Roger Perlmutter, executive vice president of research and development for Amgen Inc. took part in the panel discussion. They spoke to legislators about the importance of developing a relationship between research institutions and the legislative community.
The panelists said the global economy will evolve into more knowledge-based businesses and biotech is a key component in that movement. Partnerships, they said, can build a strong foundation for the growing biomedical research industry and all levels of education help build that foundation.
States should adopt economic development strategies that benefit from three types of technological revolutions that are currently taking place, the doctors said. Advancements in computation, biotechnology, and nanotechnology are taken place at research universities and states that pay attention to the relationship between these revolutions could benefit economically, they said. States also will have to pay attention to the type of workforce that will be needed to meet the growing need for researchers and related industries, they added.
The biomedical experts also explored what the science community can do to better educate the legislative community and constituents. They said it is vitally important for scientists to have discussions with elected officials and community members because there is an enormous opportunity to play a leadership role in this cutting edge industry.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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