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LIFE SCIENCE INDUSTRY SHIFT SEEN IN
DVIN TALENT GAP ANALYSIS REPORT
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The Delaware Valley Innovation Network (DVIN) recently unveiled the tri-state region's first comprehensive Talent Gap Analysis Report, "Preparing Our Workforce for the Evolving Life Science Industry." Findings will help the region assess how the talent needs of its life science industry are changing and how its workforce must adapt to remain competitive in the 21st century.
"This Report analyzes the shift away from big life science companies and towards small- and medium- size companies that will require new skills for workers, " said Kelly Lee, DVIN Chairwoman and Executive Vice President of Innovation Philadelphia. "Our hope is that the Talent Gap Analysis Report will be used as a catalyst to bring together the economic development, workforce development, academia and life science companies to collaborate to improve the skills and competencies of the region's life science workforce."
Among the findings in this report are:
* The life science industry will have 10,149 job openings by 2013, and the top job creators include medical scientists, biological technicians, computer software engineers and industrial engineers.
* Academic institutions offer 241 life science programs (not including general biology and general chemistry programs) that prepare the future workforce for employment in the life science industry.
* Life science-related graduates increased 30%, representing 3,860 graduates, between 2004 and 2006.
* Life science occupations requiring computer and information technology skills will be a challenge as there has been a 25% decrease in these graduates between 2004 and 2006.
Key recommendations include:
* Talent development efforts should continue to focus on science training in biology, chemistry and physics. Additional training should be targeted to engineering positions in the life sciences, nanotechnology, imaging technology and information technology.
* Increase communication and awareness of careers in the life sciences and learning opportunities in the region.
* Expand and strengthen collaboration and information sharing among the life science industry and academic institutions.
* Conduct ongoing performance monitoring to update data on life science industry including Talent Gap Analysis on a consistent basis.
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