A group of local life sciences leaders have launched a new initiative to grow Philadelphia’s life sciences industry and bring in more talent, writes John George for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The Keystone LifeSci Collaborative was made possible by $3.4 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The initiative will serve as a forum for industry executives from across southeastern Pennsylvania to address the challenges the industry faces in the region.

The $3.4 million is part of a larger $22.8 million grant Philadelphia Works received under the American Rescue Plan Act’s Good Jobs Challenges.

H. Patrick Clancy, president and CEO of Philadelphia Works, said the intent is to “actively transform the life sciences sector landscape” in southeastern Pennsylvania, including Montgomery County.

At the collaborative’s inaugural meeting in Conshohocken earlier this month, five priorities were identified including developing a coordinated strategy for building a talent pipeline, influencing policy, and marketing the region as a life sciences hub.

This new initiative is based on the nationally recognized Next Gen Sector Partnership model which is used in more than 100 regions across the United States.

This model allows business leaders to take the lead which is different from more traditional government-driven initiatives.

Read more about The Keystone LifeSci Collaborative and its mission in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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