Talent Gap Analysis Report: Preparing Our Workforce for the Evolving Life Science Industry

The Delaware Valley Innovation Network (DVIN); a coalition of government, industry and educational institutions, received a three-year $5.1 million federal grant to create a data tool that incorporates economic, research and development, investment and real-time job information to provide a current and accurate picture of the region's life science economy and its assets. The project goal was to expand the talent pool for life sciences companies in southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and northern Delaware. DVIN generated research projects, inventory assessments, cross-disciplinary partnerships, educational programs and other initiatives. DVIN worked with school districts and post-secondary institutions to develop specialized tracks in cell cultures and fermentation and vetted the curriculum track with regional biotech companies to ensure it encompassed the manufacturing workforce skills necessary for industry employment. DVIN estimates of the numbers served are more than 17,000 students and teacher; and nearly 2,000 workers in the 14 counties and three states.