Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Biotechnology Clusters Developing Slowly; Startup Assistance May Encourage Growth

Report 10-05, January 2010




Report Summary

  • Although the Innovation Incentive Program has invested over $449 million to bring seven major biotechnology research institutes to the state, this investment has not yet resulted in the growth of technology clusters in the counties where program grantees have established facilities. However, experts in the biotechnology industry agree that significant cluster growth often takes decades. While many factors related to biotechnology cluster growth are present in the state, such as a collegial and cooperative environment among stakeholders, Florida has limited early stage capital for beginning companies.
  • The Legislature could consider options to strengthen the program, including shifting its focus from attracting research institutes to providing early stage money for startup biotechnology companies. The Legislature could do so by authorizing grants to startup companies or by providing matching funds to companies that also receive grants from the federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs.


Related Reports
  1. Florida Economic Development Program Evaluations - Year 1
    Report 14-01 January 2014
  2. Florida's Biotechnology Industry Is Expanding; Cluster Growth Continues to Slowly Progress
    Report 13-06 March 2013
  3. Research Commercialization Matching Grant Program Underway; Additional Performance Data Needed
    Report 11-20 November 2011
  4. Scripps Florida Funding Corporation Complies with Requirements and Should Be Continued
    Report 09-36 October 2009
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
economic development, biotechnology, venture capital, clusters, research and development institutes, biomedical, location quotient, life sciences, technology transfer, collaberation, high-wage, bio-imaging, start-up, workforce, grants