Cluster Analysis Shows Michigan’s Capital Region is Primed for Growth in Life Sciences/Medtech

The Challenge

Mid-Michigan, including the state’s capital of Lansing, is part of a research and innovation network that is globally competitive. The area is home to over 270 Life Sciences/Medtech businesses, including two health systems, Sparrow Health System* and McLaren Health Care, and world-renowned Michigan State University (MSU).

While the region demonstrates activity in cutting-edge research, a robust pipeline of talent and business development opportunities in the Life Sciences/Medtech sector, the connections between these assets are not as expansive as in other locations across the state.

In 2021, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) commissioned Camoin Associates to conduct a cluster study to determine how to support and grow the Life Sciences/Medtech industries in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties.

The Solution

The research process was marked by qualitative and quantitative exploration that framed which industries the LEAP region is best suited to support and grow. The industry data Camoin Associates gathered illustrated the counties’ historic and projected growth, emerging trends, workforce needs, and real estate demand.

The 10-month research process was supported by a steering committee of executives and leaders from across the region’s private, public, and educational sectors. Interviews with businesses, Michigan State University, and other related partners uncovered the region’s network surrounding Life Sciences/Medtech.

Some of the key findings were:

• Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing is the dominant Life Sciences/Medtech industry in the region.
• Employment in the Life Sciences/Medtech cluster grew by over 12% in the last decade in the region, a larger proportional gain compared to the state of Michigan and the US.
• Jobs in this cluster offer earnings that are substantially higher than in other portions of the economy.
• The LEAP region has a deep talent pool that is well-suited for all manner of positions in the cluster. Between MSU and Lansing Community College (LCC), these two powerhouse institutions provide targeted training, adaptable programs to meet employer needs and rise to the challenge to keep up with technological advancements across this cluster.

The Impact

Based on the data analysis, assessment of global and national trends, and the assets of the region, Camoin identified the following market opportunities for Life Sciences/Medtech in the LEAP Region.

• Cross-disciplinary R&D in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
• Applied medical use diagnostic tools, technologies, and laboratories
• Medical device and bioscience manufacturing

It is clear among partners and leadership in all three counties that there is a strong desire and enthusiasm to continue the progress that has been made in the last decade to grow Lansing’s presence in this cluster, including in the market areas identified above. This commitment from individuals and organizations, along with market potential in the industry, creates a launch pad for an ambitious strategy.

LEAP is continuing to grow awareness about the cluster through an EDA-funded marketing campaign that will leverage Camoin Associates’ findings.

How can we help you? Learn more about Camoin Associates’ economic development services.

* At the time of publication, Sparrow Health System was in talks to join University of Michigan Health under a proposed agreement.