Melbourne industry group launches strategy

Recently-formed alliance The BioMelbourne Network has unveiled its action agenda for driving the Victorian biotechnology sector forward, focusing on building networks between science, government and business, and promoting Melbourne as a regional hub for the industry.

"It's a big step, as it's only been 12 months since the network was a project of the Committee for Melbourne," said Tim Murphy, the network's executive director. "We're committed as the hub for making connections, matching businesses and providing support to the biotech sector in an inclusive and vital manner."

According to Murphy, the launch of the agenda represents a big leap forward for the network, which he said was riding on the momentum generated by the industry. The organisation has 30 inaugural members, including a number of research providers, and is supported by the state government and the City of Melbourne.

The network will focus on three major pillars of support to deliver benefits to its members, said Murphy, including industry development, professional development and industry promotion.

As part of its focus on industry development and investment opportunities, the network is planning to hold the Melbourne BioInvestment Forum in October this year, and is also aiming to develop an "international network of networks" linking biotechnology trade and industry groups around the world, which Murphy hopes will facilitate international collaborations and business matching.

A series of professional development initiatives, including development programs tailored toward the needs of the industry are also planned, said Murphy. These will include events such as next week's BIO 2003 'boot camp', and regular networking events.

And the network will also promote Melbourne as the core Asia-Pacific biotechnology centre, with a presence at major international events including the upcoming BIO 2003 conference in Washington, DC.

Another initiative of the network is the establishment of a buying group, which will initially provide savings to members through Saving Point, which provides a service analysing contractual agreements with utilities companies include telecommunications, gas and electricity, water, office expenses and so on. Eventually, Murphy said, the network hopes to offer savings on the purchase of scientific equipment and supplies.

The BioMelbourne Network also announced that Leon Davis, chairman of Westpac Banking Corporation and a member of the board of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, was to be the business patron of the organisation, joining science patron Prof Peter Doherty.

"Business relationships and networks are vital in underpinning the development of emerging sectors such as biotech. I am pleased to support the BioMelbourne Network in their efforts to drive one of our most promising future industries," Davis said in a statement released by the network.

Murphy said Davis had extensive business links locally and internationally, and his experience in the mining sector would be transferable to issues confronting the biotechnology sector.

The patrons would be expected to be advocates for the Victorian biotechnology industry, both locally and internationally, he said, noting that Doherty would be a keynote speaker at this year's BIO event in Washington.

The network's new web site is at www.biomelbourne.org