25.04.2008
Ontario and Baden-Württemberg regional partnership
Eleven life sciences clusters make up the Innovation Corridor. (Copyright: Life Sciences in Canada)
Baden-Württemberg and the Canadian province Ontario are similar in many respects. Both are economic powerhouses that focus on education and research to maintain their edge. The two regions have been co-operating for some time – not only do they organize academic exchanges at all levels, their relationship is also shaped by significant business interests.
As Ontario’s partner region, Baden-Württemberg was the ideal host for the Life Sciences in Canada forum. Canadian and German experts from the realms of business, science and politics showcased the potential and advantages of German-Canadian partnership in the life sciences. Guests received first-hand information on the steps necessary to establish a presence on the North American market – and the organizational and financial support that investors can expect. German business representatives recalled their experiences with the Canadian market and provided insights into successful binational partnerships.
Diversity and heterogeneity are attributes that are especially applicable to the international life sciences sector. Over twenty research fields have evolved within biotechnology alone, from antibody technologies to cellulose-ethanol processes. Regions that succeed on the global market identify the most promising fields of competence among a wealth of available options and focus their energies and resources on promoting them – a process known as cluster formation. As a result of these activities, the network linking the scientific community, businesses and investors has become more tightly meshed over the years, with a centrally co-ordinated development strategy for the life sciences sector representing the current high point of sustainable cluster formation.
The experts’ forum was organized by the trade department of the Canadian consulate in Düsseldorf, BIOPRO Baden-Württemberg GmbH, the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs and Baden-Württemberg International, with further support from the Stuttgart Region Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
More:
http://www.2ontario.com/industry/lifescience.asp
