A recent study by Vesna Vlaisavljevic (UB Business School), Bart Van Looy (KU Leuven), Marcelina Grabowska (JRC- European Commission), Catherine Lecocq (Ghent University), and Koenraad Debackere (KU Leuven) examines the growth of biotech clusters worldwide from 1978 to 2015. This research, named “Growth of biotech clusters over several decades through pioneering, variety and entrepreneurial science”, published in the prestigious journal Nature Biotech,  highlights how biotechnology has transitioned from fundamental science to various applications, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and materials, thereby creating a significant economic impact.

The study utilizes a comprehensive dataset that includes triadic patent applications and scientific publications related to biotechnology. The authors found that successful biotech clusters are characterized by high levels of scientific research, entrepreneurial activity, and robust social networks. These clusters not only benefit from private firms and entrepreneurs but also significantly rely on the contributions of universities and public research organizations.

The analysis reveals that the evolution of biotechnology clusters over a period of nearly 40 years still shows a strong geographical concentration. The three largest clusters—Southern Kanto (Tokyo), Northern California, and Massachusetts—account for a significant portion of global biotech patent activity. Interestingly, the study indicates that while North America has historically dominated patent applications, the proportions across regions are beginning to converge due to diffusion and catching-up processes.

A key finding is the enduring impact of early investments in biotechnology, as regions that were pioneers in the industry continue to demonstrate strong technological performance decades later. The contribution of firms to regional innovation is statistically significant, but the presence of a dominant anchor firm is not essential for cluster success. Instead, regions benefit from a diverse range of market-oriented actors and their collaborative efforts.

The study further highlights that both the quantity and quality of scientific output are crucial for regional technological performance. Notably, collaborations that extend beyond local boundaries—both in technology and science—have a more substantial positive impact on a region’s innovation capacity than purely local interactions.

In conclusion, the research underscores the necessity for regions, particularly those lacking large incumbent firms, to focus on fostering a vibrant, interconnected, and entrepreneurial scientific ecosystem. This approach will facilitate sustainable growth in biotechnology and contribute to recognition regional innovation systems on a global scale.