The life science industry is a driving force in Utah’s culture and economy. To ensure a positive future for these companies, the jobs they create and the innovations they develop, it is critical that we join together to formalize and increase our support for this industry now. To that end, the Utah Technology Council (UTC) has appointed Dr. Michael Feldman to the newly created position of life science executive-in-residence. UTC created this position in partnership with the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) and Utah’s Department of Workforce Services (DWS).

In this new role, Michael Feldman will lead the development of a strategic plan for a comprehensive BIOVision for Utah. Since his appointment, he has created a steering committee comprised of UTC life science leaders who are working together with representatives of USTAR and DWS to set the strategy direction and an action plan that will identify key objectives, deliverables and timelines to support further growth for Utah’s outstanding life science companies. The new team is establishing an agenda and a year-long plan of action for 2010.

“I am extremely appreciative of the chance to work with the life science members in UTC to craft a BIOVision that will accelerate the growth of life science in Utah,” Feldman says. “Our plan is to establish the value proposition and agenda to expand the role of life science in the state’s ecosystem.”

In its first phase, the BIOVision plan will focus on three basic areas: identify “must haves” for life science companies; develop and administer life science industry value and satisfaction survey; and establish the framework for BIOVision.

We currently segment the life science sector into five primary areas: medical devices, diagnostics (both biologics and pharma), therapeutics (both biologics and conventional), nutraceuticals and testing/services. The plan may add other categories as we progress, but Feldman is hopeful that within the initial five areas there will be a comfortable fit for all of Utah’s life science companies.

As part of the initial phase, UTC is creating an online survey for all life science companies, whether they are members or not, followed by one-on-one meetings with as many as possible of the key life science players to obtain their feedback in order to validate that our plans are on target.

The UTC is eager to give every member of the life science community the chance to participate in its efforts to develop Utah’s BIOVision to the extent they can. We want to work with them, and we need them to become engaged and involved. Anyone wishing to provide input can contact mfeldman@utahtech.org.

With feedback from our participants, we want to be sure we are targeting our initiatives appropriately in order to lay the direction for Utah’s BIOVision agenda, the incentive that brought UTC, USTAR and DWS together. This is the team that is receiving the feedback, reviewing other states’ best practices, and drawing on the lessons we’ve learned at UTC about how to build an effective community for the high-tech sector in order to become the essential business resource for the life science industry in our state.

The selection of Mike Feldman to head this effort was a critical decision. He is the right individual to chair this effort, with more than 20 years of senior executive experience, including nine years in the Utah life science industry. Prior to UTC, he served as deputy director of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games Drug Testing Laboratory, general manager and SVP of Northwest Toxicology, and VP of business development for LabOne/Quest Diagnostics. Most recently, he was president, CEO and director of BioMicro Systems.

Michael Feldman’s education suits him for this new responsibility well. He has a bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University and a master’s in Biochemistry from Drexel University. In addition, he holds a doctorate degree in Drug Metabolism and Biopharmacy from Chelsea College, University of London.

“It is important that we do all we can to harness the life science innovation in our state,” says Ted McAleer, executive director of USTAR. “The new role Michael Feldman is filling will help the life science community gain a stronger voice and to help channel all of the innovation and ideas that already exist in this field.”

Kristen Cox, executive director of the Department of Workforce Services, agrees: “Utah has a vast amount of talent and know-how in the life science realm. The new position and partnership we’ve now created with UTC will make it easier for us to keep this talent in state.”

I am confident that Michael Feldman and the steering committee he leads will make an immediate impact on Utah’s life science industry in 2010. It is vital that we do everything we can to grow and stimulate our life science companies in order to achieve Utah’s promising future. I invite everyone to participate with us in supporting this effort.

Richard Nelson is president and CEO of the Utah Technology Council (UTC) and immediate past CEO of the national Technology Councils of North America (TECNA). For more information about UTC and its essential member resources and events, readers can visit www.utahtechcouncil.org or call 801.568.3500.