Healthcare and Biotechnology focus on leveraging existing and emerging opportunities related to biotechnology research, development and manufacturing, as well as ensuring job growth in healthcare services.

Round Rock has seen a significant growth in the healthcare sector in recent years. The opening of Scott and White University Medical Center, recent expansion of Round Rock Medical Center and the completion of Seton Williamson highlight the emerging medical complex that is Round Rock. The commitment of these fine institutions combined with the announcement of the Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, the funding for construction of the Texas State University (TSU) Nursing building, and the Austin Community College campus purchase adjacent to TSU, all make the case for our community establishing a significant medical concentration.

The Healthcare sector can be defined very broadly, and extends far beyond healthcare services to include biosciences and life sciences research and testing activities, and the manufacture of medican products and devices, medicine and pharmaceutical products. These vertical linkages can have a profound impact on the delivery of healthcare services.

Likewise, biotechnology is a broadly defined industry category that encompasses many products and processes. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity has come up with one of the many definitions of biotechnology: "Biotechnology means any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use." Because of its broad definition, a biotechnology targeting strategy can focus on R&D, clinical trials, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other key sub-areas critical to growth of the sub-sector.

Round Rock, Texas boasts a competitive advantage for Healthcare and Biotechnology sector:

» Competitive quality of life

» Polpulation and economic center

» Highly educated available workforce

» Close proximity to existing hospitals and healthcare facilities