New Tech Collective study examines skills gaps in state bioscience industry

THE TECH COLLECTIVE has released its most recent version of its skills gap study, and while a vast majority of bioscience employers in the region see industry growth in the next three to five years, many of them cite a 'lack of skilled workers/candidates' posing a potential roadblock to their expansion plans.
THE TECH COLLECTIVE has released its most recent version of its skills gap study, and while a vast majority of bioscience employers in the region see industry growth in the next three to five years, many of them cite a 'lack of skilled workers/candidates' posing a potential roadblock to their expansion plans.

PROVIDENCE – Tech Collective, Rhode Island’s bioscience and information technology industry association, released the Rhode Island Bioscience Skills Gap Study today, which profiles the burgeoning bioscience industry in Rhode Island and comprehensively focuses on its workforce needs.

“Rhode Island’s bioscience industry is one of high potential – both to impact the Rhode Island economy and workforce, as well as to improve our global well-being,” said Kathie Shields, executive director of Tech Collective. “The purpose of the bioscience skills gap report is to foster that potential through identifying the workforce needs of this industry and offering recommendations to meet those needs. Tech Collective looks forward to working with the industry and academic and government stakeholders to support and strengthen Rhode Island’s bioscience industry.”

The report is an update to the collective’s 2009 study: At the Heart of Bioscience: Rhode Island Skills Gap Report. The updated study, funded by an Industry Partnership grant through the Governor’s Workforce Board, was researched and compiled using local and national industry data and garnering Rhode Island employer insights via focus groups, one-on-one interviews and an employer survey. Findings of the report aim to raise awareness of and guide investments in Rhode Island’s bioscience workforce.

R.I. companies seek skilled workforce

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In a Web-based survey used to collect data from state employers, 90 percent of Rhode Island’s bioscience employers indicated that they were mostly optimistic about industry growth, anticipating company expansion over the next three to five years. Despite the anticipation for growth, Rhode Island employers also expressed challenges in finding and keeping talent.

Survey respondents cited “lack of skilled workers/candidates to hire” most often as the biggest workforce challenge at their company, particularly with mid-level chemical and mechanical engineer positions and entry-and-mid-level regulatory affairs specialists.

Technical writing/documentation proved to be one of the most critical technical skills missing from bioscience talent pools, along with a range of professional skills gaps that include: critical thinking and problem solving, the ability to work independently and project management.

Forty percent of Rhode Island’s bioscience employers also expressed concerns over competition with nearby states in regards to obtaining and retaining qualified workers. Several large Rhode Island bioscience employers reported that more than half their employees commute daily from Massachusetts or Connecticut, which gave rise to pay scale challenges, since employers felt the need to match Boston-area salaries to attract and retain employees, particularly for senior-level positions.

A look at the state’s bioscience industry

The report found that Rhode Island employs 4,602 bioscience professionals across the industry and has a total employment impact of an additional 11,847 workers. The bioscience industry participates on national and global levels and is comprised of five sectors: drugs and pharmaceuticals; medical devices and equipment; research, testing and medical laboratories; agricultural feedstock and biofuels; and bioscience-related distribution. Rhode Island’s greatest strengths lie in drugs and pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and research and development.

Timelines and advancements

The report includes a timeline identifying bioscience industry development, workforce training and K-16 education achievements, from the establishment of the Slater Technology Fund in 1997 to the launch of the collective’s bioscience award program last year.

It also views the bioscience industry as a young innovation ecosystem, identifying the need for industry, academic and government support. The report suggests that these entities can nurture early interest and engagement in STEM fields that appeal not only to boys, but to girls as well.

Some of the educational advancements noted in the timeline include collaborations with state schools and local technical centers to provide educational and career-focused programs that introduce students to the biotechnology field and further their training.

Other competitive factors influencing the industry are noted, including access to capital, infrastructure and research facilities.

To see the skills gap report, CLICK HERE.

Bioscience Skills Gap Forum event

Technology Collective will host a Bioscience Industry Skills Gap Forum on Wednesday, March 26 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Save The Bay in Providence. Copies of the report will be distributed, and industry panelists will discuss its findings along with current and future initiatives the state can undertake to grow and innovate in the industry.

Panelists at the event include: Karen DaSilva, associate director, human resources, Alexion Pharmaceuticals; Cliff Grimm, managing director, EpiVax Inc.; Matthew Iorio, executive vice president, Tedor Pharma; and Katherine Chaloupka, senior scientist, process development, Amgen.

The forum is open to the public. Industry, academic and state leaders and stakeholders are encouraged to attend. For more information or to attend, visit www.tech-collective.org.

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