The Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute (KCALSI) has embarked on a bi-state, regional strategic assessment to identify a shared vision for enhancing the life sciences over the next decade.
We have partnered with Deloitte to conduct this important work because of their deep expertise in life sciences, commercialization and strategic planning. As of March 1, Deloitte has conducted over 100 interviews and interviewed over 150 people across the region, nation and globe to benchmark the greater Kansas City area to other life science clusters. Additionally a survey was sent to over 1000 people in the community ranging from scientists and venture capitalists to real estate executives and engineering firms.
Preliminary analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats incorporating national and global comparators has identified capital formation and workforce development as two regional infrastructure areas critical to continued growth of regional life sciences. Other priorities will also soon be prioritized to advance into working groups that will develop action plans, milestones and measurable objectives for monitoring success.
KCALSI’s previous strategic planning effort was completed in 2004 and contributed to the remarkable growth in the life sciences over the past ten years. Animal Health and Nutrition was one of six areas of identified strength and provided the foundation for establishing the Animal Health Corridor. Today the Animal Health Corridor has over 300 companies and represents 56% of worldwide sales totaling $88.2 Billion. The Corridor was a key factor in successfully competing to build the National BioAgro Defense Facility in Manhattan, KS. Other successes in the life sciences, such as the University of Kansas’ awarding of a National Cancer Institute designated cancer center, BioResearch Central, and the rapid growth in medical device companies, can trace their roots to KCALSI’s 2004 strategic process.
“The life-sciences asset base here is significant, but we need to grow and increase collaboration across the region to be competitive with other life science clusters,” said Wayne Carter, President and CEO of KCALSI. “This strategic process will help us recognize the great opportunities we have and help us prioritize them.”