Pallone and Watson Coleman Host Roundtable on NJ Innovation in Biotech and Pharmaceutical Fields
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – This week in Plainsboro, NJ, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) hosted a roundtable focused on the biotech and pharmaceutical industries based in New Jersey. The roundtable also focused on the importance of diversity in the innovation economy. The discussion was one of many taking place throughout the nation as House Democrats work to craft an Innovation Agenda 2.0. Congressman Pallone is the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over health and many areas involving innovation and technology.
The New Jersey biotech industry is well respected as a leader throughout the country. A 2014 report found that more than 3,000 operations comprised the bio-pharmaceutical life sciences cluster in New Jersey. The pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotech industries, represent an economic impact of $26 billion annually and support more than 15,000 jobs.
“While many people tend to think about innovation as an exclusive product of the high-tech sector, the cutting-edge work in the biotech industry is also paving the way for America’s 21st century economy,” said Pallone. “It’s been an honor to hear from companies creating jobs and making a real difference in the lives of people in New Jersey, and Congresswoman Watson Coleman and I look forward to bringing these ideas back to Washington. I’m also pleased we were able to discuss the importance of diversity in these growing fields. We know that diverse voices and diverse minds lead to better ideas and ultimately a stronger economy.”
“New Jersey in general, and the Twelfth District in particular, has been a global hub in innovation that rivals any other region on the planet,” said Watson Coleman. “This innovation has driven job creation and economic development in our communities, improved the quality of life for people across the globe through medical breakthroughs, and inspired young people to pursue their imaginations in exciting ways. In a state as diverse as New Jersey, it is critical that we work to ensure that all of our residents, regardless of their color, or gender, or zip code are positioned fully contribute to and benefit from this growth. I am pleased to host Innovation 2.0, and I look forward to working with Congressman Pallone, and leaders in academia, business, and research to develop policies in Washington that foster long term innovation.”
Back in 2007, House Democrats crafted the Innovation Agenda to ensure America’s leadership in the world economy in the 21st century. The key concepts from the first Innovation Agenda included promoting energy independence, encouraging STEM education, committing to more research and development, accelerating entrepreneurship, and expanding broadband deployment. Numerous provisions of that agenda were signed into law. For an overview of the Innovation Agenda 1.0, click here.
Now, House Democrats are crafting an Innovation Agenda 2.0 based on the ideas of roundtables like the one held in Plainsboro on Wednesday. The new agenda will build on the initiatives that were launched in 2007.