People want to know why Akron has such a close connection to the health care industry. You see, Akron is the ideal location for health care and research.
Research in health care in our region tops $500 million annually. And, with three hospitals in our downtown area, we are well-positioned in the health care market physically. Add the capabilities of the University of Akron, its distinction in polymer production and research, as well as its nationally recognized engineering programs, and I ask, ‘Why not Akron?’
Akron BioMedical Corridor
The Akron BioMedical Corridor is a destination within Akron that encompasses three hospitals and the Austin BioInnovation Institute of Akron. The corridor’s focus areas include biomaterials (wound care, orthopedics), devices and diagnostics, imaging, medical IT and cardiovascular research.
The Corridor combines the city’s strong health care assets and cutting-edge technology with established expertise in biomaterials science. Entrepreneurship and business growth is created — in a way that actually accelerates business development. In fact, you can accomplish more in less time here than in any other region.
Due in no small part to the research and clinical strengths and a broad existing biomedical industry, Northeast Ohio has become a major center of health care innovation and commercialization.
Over the past five years, the region has seen significant increases in all measures of health care innovation: investment dollars, grant funding, number of startups, licensing revenues and technology deals. Further,
• The region’s innovation network and venture firms have attracted the attention of national investors, strategic firms and investment banks.
• Ohio is among the top five states nationally for number of health care venture capital firms and No. 1 between the coasts.
• Since 2003, more than $1.2 billion has been invested in Northeast Ohio health care companies.
• Also, the ABIA is closely aligned with regional biomedical and commercialization efforts that help businesses take ideas and products to the market.
Location, location, location
Akron has the offering of a large metropolitan area without the usual headaches. With its small-town feel and big-city amenities, Akron truly encompasses the best of both worlds. In 2008, for the third time, Akron was named an “All-America City” by the National Civic League, an award considered “The Oscars” of municipal life.
The city’s economic business climate is ideal for growing businesses. We have more than 21,000 businesses, including more than 150 Fortune 500 companies.
Our regional metropolitan population is close to 650,000. Akron is one of the largest cities in Ohio and lies within 500 miles of 42 major cities, including more than half of all manufacturing plants and nearly 60 percent of the U.S. population — and its buying power.
In sum, Akron is the best positioned nationwide to deliver world-class research and technology in the health care field. So, I ask again, why not Akron?
