The Ottawa Life Science Biotech Cluster Robert Dalp

The Ottawa Life Science – Biotech Cluster Robert Dalpé Dép. de science politique and CIRST Université de Montréal ISRN Vancouver May 2004

Life Sciences as « Emerging Clusters » I There are corresponding forces for collaboration. The greater the collaboration—even with other cities— the greater the potential for innovation and success. Clusters within the growth sector are not static— over the next 20 years individual industries will grow or shrink. For the moment, here is what Ottawa’s industry clusters look like: Expanding Clusters (high growth, high employment concentration): telecommunications equipment, micro electronics/semiconductors, tourism Transforming Clusters (low growth, high employment concentration): software and communications, professional services Emerging Clusters (high growth, low employment concentration): photonics, life sciences Seed Clusters (low growth, low employment concentration): wireless, creative industries, environmental technologies, micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) Source : Ottawa (2003), Ottawa 20/20 – Economic Strategy

Life Sciences as « Emerging Clusters » II Emerging cluster: Life Sciences Good Base, Currently Lacks Scale Value: There almost 100 life sciences companies in Ottawa employing close to 4, 000. The region has cutting-edge research and new product development in the fields of medical diagnostic equipment, therapeutic equipment, implants/prostheses, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and a range of electromedical applications. This cluster also has strengths in the human, animal and agricultural sciences. The cluster draws strength from the technical excellence found in the region’s excellent research centres. Local universities and university-affiliated hospital research centres further contribute to the strength of the cluster. If employment in research institutions and centres is included, the cluster employs 7, 000 more. Investments in the cluster have been encouraging; more than CDN$140 million was invested between September 2001 and May 2002. Innovative and novel technologies are receiving funding, especially in the areas of biotechnology and environmental technologies. Source : Ottawa (2003), Ottawa 20/20 – Economic Strategy

DATA I Private Biotech Firms (2001) Toronto Montréal Vancouver Ottawa Source : Niosi (2002), ISRN. 73 72 59 9

DATA II Source : Niosi (2002), ISRN.

Questionnaires – methodological issues • Small number of firms • Firms : founders • Confidentiality

RESULTS Federal Government $ University

Federal Government • Ottawa : head office of the federal government • NRC : research centres, IRAP • Other Departments : – Regional vs national mission – Type of research ; functions – Regulation of IP

University • Univ. of Ottawa and hospitals • Federal university R&D policy • Ontario Health Policy

$ : venture capital, angels • No links with IT • Young firms • Role of the Ottawa-Montreal community

AMEX BIOTECH INDEX 1999 -2004

Nortel – 1999 -2004

Other issues • Law firms • HQP • Management

Policy Implications - Federal government - functions - regulation of IP - University - size -$ - diversity