Biotech industry lobbyist sees North Shore strength

DANVERS ? The future of economic growth on the North Shore hinges heavily on biotechnology companies, the presence of a trained workforce and government policies that make doing business less arduous.So says Robert Coughlin, new president and chief executive officer of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, high-tech policy wonk, and one of three speakers Tuesday at the North Shore Chamber of Commerce Business Expo at the Sheraton Ferncroft Resort.According to Coughlin, success depends on the stability of a three-legged stool ? academia, industry and government. As he put it, academia’s role is to provide ideas and a competent workforce able to assume high-technology jobs. Industry supported by local tax breaks and an influx of investment capital serves as a backbone to the regional economy, particularly biotechnology firms with pharmaceutical applications, research and product development. Government assists the entire process by allowing start-up businesses to benefit from U.S. Small Business Administration loans as well as private investment dollars, while creating policies that streamline permitting, foster patent reform, and open new markets.In keeping with the three-prong theme, Salem State College President Patricia Meservey followed Coughlin at the podium later in the day to present the academic viewpoint, while Gov. Deval Patrick briefly offered the government stance.Coughlin, a former three-term state representative reincarnated as the state’s high-tech trade association chief, declined to talk about lobbyist efforts, especially as they relate to stem cell research or so-called life sciences initiatives, both of which have been among the hot issues in Gov. Patrick’s economic development plan.”Because it is difficult to know where talking ends and lobbying begins, I’ve made the decision not to talk about state policy initiatives with anyone,” Coughlin said at the beginning of his presentation.Instead, Coughlin focused on the strength of the state’s five world-renowned hospitals, its reputation for medical innovation and intellect, and the opportunities to capitalize on the several clusters of high-technology companies in Boston, Cambridge, Worcester and along the North Shore. Success lay in the industry’s ability to grasp an evolving idea and take it “from bench to beside” in a relatively compressed timeframe, he said, noting that only one idea in 5,000 stands a chance of realizing success, it’s no easy task.”We are the biotech hub of the world,” he said, adding that the state is home to 395 technology companies, of which 240 are busy developing 1,827 therapeutic drugs.”The average salary in the biotech industry is over $100,000. These are good jobs. It’s not about paper mills and textiles any more.”A Massachusetts Maritime graduate and lieutenant in the Navy Reserve with a college degree in engineering, Coughlin lives in Dedham with his wife, Christine, and their three children.”I had the best job in state government before I decided to take this one,” he said, laughing, attempting to explain his overriding passion for science and high-technology. “We are the innovative economy. We need to keep kids excited about science. Ten or 15 years from now, we’ll be in big trouble if we don’t keep up with workforce development.”Massachusetts currently provides about 10,000 high-technology jobs, exponentially less than California or New Jersey, he said, adding that a report now being drafted on the state’s biotechnology industry through 2015 will give him a working business plan for the next 4-5 years.