IRVINE, CA—Historically branded for its tourism, Orange County has always had a robust life-sciences industry, and people are finally beginning to recognize this, JLL VP Jason Lantgen tells GlobeSt.com. According to the firm, the Los Angeles-Orange County life-sciences industry leads the nation in life-sciences employment and establishment, generating more than $27.3 billion in annual economic activity.

There are 25 research institutes in the region that conduct research and train future scientists and entrepreneurs, and the local highly educated labor pool provides a strong base for medical device and biotech companies to recruit and employ talented staffs. We spoke with Lantgen about these findings and how the region's life-sciences sector has become so strong.

GlobeSt.com: How has Orange County's life-sciences sector become so strong?

Lantgen: Without quality colleges, post-graduate programs and further access to research grants, the underlying infrastructure would not be as deeply entrenched here in Southern California as it is. This feeder system ultimately continues to fuel innovation in Southern California and also top employers looking for skilled workers in the region. While top employers in other markets recruit skilled labor from this region, and while their salaries do go further in other places, if the quality of life and sunshine wasn't here, their sales pitches would be more fruitful.

GlobeSt.com: When did this growth occur? Was it a reaction to the recession and the need to diversify?

Lantgen: The life-sciences sector has always been here but has not received the recognition as some of the other markets. Also, Orange County has historically been branded for tourism. Everyone knows Disneyland is here and that we have great beaches, but what else? That is slowly changing. Pre-Recession, the life-sciences and medical-device sectors were here, but were overshadowed by the mortgage industry. Prior to that, it was the dot-com industry overshadowing the sector.

GlobeSt.com: What might draw life sciences to Orange County and the L.A. area of Southern California, which is also known for its life-sciences sector?

Lantgen: Considering Orange County and L.A. are number 1, it's really about getting the word out and doing a better job promoting the region. Secondly, the market has a shortage of space with built-out labs ready for emerging companies. Development of properties designed specifically for earlier-stage device and life-science companies would help, considering the barrier to entry to turn a profit is significant for this industry. An entrepreneur may turn to another market just because there is an incubator or small R&D space with lab available ready to go.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers take away from this chart?

Lantgen: I think the larger employers of this region will tell you Orange County's life-sciences strength has been the best-kept secret for quite some time.

GlobeSt.com: How has Orange County's life-sciences sector become so strong?

GlobeSt.com: When did this growth occur? Was it a reaction to the recession and the need to diversify?

GlobeSt.com: What might draw life sciences to Orange County and the L.A. area of Southern California, which is also known for its life-sciences sector?

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers take away from this chart?

Lantgen: I think the larger employers of this region will tell you Orange County's life-sciences strength has been the best-kept secret for quite some time.

Instant Insights /

OC's Strong Life-Sciences Sector Emerges from the Shadows

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