One specific action initiative has been proposed by this cluster as a means of responding to its key challenges.

1. Develop the Region as Center for Medical Product Development and Clinical Testing

Objectives: Establish this region as an internationally known site for product development and clinical testing for pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and devices by creating business synergies between health care providers and medical product producers. Specifically:

• Create New R&D and Testing Capacity: Develop a new regional industry capacity that facilitates product development and clinical testing.
• Harness Existing Capabilities: Build new linkages among the region's pharmaceutical firms (e.g., Pharmacia & Upjohn, Perrigo), medical products (e.g., Stryker and Imagyn Medical Technologies), the health care facilities (the two hospitals and treatment centers) and the university.
• Foster Spin-Offs: Create an environment that will encourage the development of "spin-off" companies from existing local pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies.
• Recruit New Companies: Attract new pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies to the region.
• Promote Region's Service Image: With the testing of recently developed equipment and products, heighten the reputation of local health care providers as on the cutting EDGE of medical technology.

Activities: Develop a business plan for collaborative ventures in medical product development and testing.

• Market Analysis: Conduct an initial feasibility study to enlarge collaboration, assess strengths and weaknesses, define the feasibility for this venture, determine to proceed or not.
• Business Plan: Depending on the results of the feasibility study, develop a comprehensive business and marketing plan that will define the details of the necessary infrastructure to support these activities, estimate demand and select potential volume of services, complete financial analysis, examine implications for the region, develop a management plan for oversight and implementation.
• Capitalization Plan: Develop a start-up funding strategy.
• Raise Funds: Acquire necessary funding for implementation.
• Start Development: Implement the necessary business and marketing plan to realize objectives.
Medical Equipment and Supplies