Continuing to Combat Brain Drain: Oklahoma's Burgeoning Bioscience Industry

Oklahoma has historically faced significant challenges related to "brain drain," a phenomenon where educated and skilled individuals leave the state for better opportunities elsewhere.  

This trend, particularly evident in fields like biotechnology and biomanufacturing, resulted in Oklahoma losing a significant portion of its talented workforce. 

According to a report from the Oklahoma City Branch of the Federal Reserve of Kansas City, titled "From Brain Drain to Brain Gain, Oklahoma’s population on the rise," the state experienced sluggish population growth prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but has seen a surge of in-migration in recent years. Despite this recent influx, Oklahoma has cumulatively lost more than 18,000 college graduates since 2000, highlighting the long-term impact of brain drain on the state’s economy and workforce. 

Over the past 20 years, Oklahoma City has seen a notable push in biomanufacturing and biotechnology, with several companies starting up in the area. However, despite initial success, many trained professionals eventually left for larger job markets on the coasts, such as Boston, San Diego, San Francisco, and the Raleigh-Durham area—regions renowned for their robust biomanufacturing industries. 

Growing Oklahoma’s Biotech Industry 

Oklahoma is witnessing a transformation in its biotechnology landscape, marked by a surge in innovation, investment, and talent retention efforts. As the state aims to foster a thriving biotech ecosystem, several key initiatives and collaborations are driving this momentum forward. 

Oklahoma's strategic focus on attracting and retaining skilled professionals, coupled with its growing biotech sector, is creating a fertile environment for innovation and economic development.   

As highlighted in the report "Oklahoma Brain Drain Reversal: What is Happening, and What Can We Learn?" by the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development, the recent trend of in-migration and targeted efforts to bolster the local economy are showing promise.  

One of the pivotal initiatives shaping Oklahoma's biotech narrative is the Oklahoma Biotech Innovation Cluster (OBIC). Led by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber in partnership with the University of Oklahoma and industry leaders like Echo Investment Capital, OBIC stands at the forefront of catalyzing the bioscience sector in the region. Supported by a substantial $35 million grant from the Build Back Better Regional Challenge of the U.S. Economic Development Administration, OBIC focuses on diverse aspects crucial for industry growth. 

Central to OBIC's mission is the development of career pathways that attract and retain top talent in the biotech field. By providing resources for education, training, and professional development, OBIC aims to create a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who contribute to Oklahoma's biotech industry's success. This approach not only addresses brain drain concerns but also positions Oklahoma as a hub for biotech talent and innovation. 

Regional Growth 

Life Science Oklahoma (LSO) (Formerly OkBio) champions Oklahoma City's life sciences and healthcare communities. Partnering with organizations citywide, it aims to: 

• Elevate Oklahoma City as a bioscience and life sciences leader 

• Foster networks and partnerships 

• Educate on timely, relevant topics 

• Enhance the research and business climate 

• Advocate for bioscience support to boost the economy and quality of life 

• Connect to investment capital 

• Develop entrepreneurial and skilled workforce talent 

LSO promotes key areas like biotech, drug manufacturing, agricultural science, veterinary medicine, healthcare, therapeutics, diagnostics, biomanufacturing, medical and health technologies, and clinical care. 

Led by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the coalition includes over 55 partners from academia, government, industry, and more. The Co-Chairs are Dr. Craig Shimasaki, CEO of Moleculera Biosciences, and Dr. Andrew Westmuckett, Director of Technology Ventures at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. 

The OCAST Industry Innovation Program 

Another critical initiative supporting Oklahoma’s biotech growth is the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology’s Industry Innovation Program. This program awards funding of up to $500,000 to Oklahoma-based companies leading innovation projects with the potential to create a significant economic impact in Oklahoma. 

 The OCAST Applied Research Support program provides non-dilutive funding for companies to hire scientific and technical expertise, create partnerships, secure necessary supplies and equipment, or validate technologies heading toward market launch. Successful projects lead to workforce development and job creation, leveraged and increased capital investment, and increased revenue. 

Research and Development Hubs 

Oklahoma’s biotech companies and public institutes are pioneering research and development in areas such as advanced materials, surfactants development, microscopy, drug development, and healthcare advances. Key institutions include: 

• University Research Park: A hub for biomedical research and commercialization, with over 700,000 square feet of lab and office space housing more than 40 science-based companies. 

• Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF): Home to over 300 researchers exploring diseases like Alzheimer's, cancers, diabetes, and lupus. 

• One Health: Oklahoma State University is transforming health outcomes in Oklahoma through interdisciplinary research, innovative health solutions for humans and animals, education of future physicians, and initiatives targeting Indigenous and underserved communities. These efforts are fueled by over $26 million in grants and involve numerous researchers across multiple disciplines. 

• Animal Nutrition and Physiology Research Center at Oklahoma State University: A One Health program conducting studies related to animal and human health, genetics, growth, nutrition, reproduction, and sustainability. 

• Stephenson Cancer Center: The state’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center, ranking No. 1 for NCI-sponsored clinical trials participation. 

• Our Blood Institute: OBI is the sixth largest non-profit blood collector in America. 

• Harold Hamm Diabetes Center: A top-funded diabetes research program, exceeding $100 million over the last decade. 

• Oklahoma Proton Therapy Center: One of the largest and most experienced proton centers in the country, offering comprehensive treatment solutions. 

• The University of Oklahoma Bioprocessing Core Facility: This facility will serve as a collaborative hub for conducting high-throughput bioprocessing activities, accelerating research endeavors, and facilitating industry-academic partnerships. The facility will be equipped with advanced bioprocessing technologies and services, catering to OU faculty, researchers, local nonprofits, and private enterprises. 

BioTC's Role in Retaining Talent 

Koey Keylon, Executive Director of BioTC, explains, "What Oklahoma City is trying to do is address a couple of things: to get a larger workforce here and to retain local talent by inviting manufacturers to establish operations in Oklahoma." 

As Oklahoma’s first dedicated Biomanufacturing Workforce Training Center, BioTC plays a crucial role in attracting biotech companies to Oklahoma by offering specialized training and resources.  

One of the unique aspects of BioTC's approach is its focus on skills-based training, which opens job opportunities for individuals who might not have the means or desire to pursue a traditional university education. This approach not only helps in retaining local talent but also makes Oklahoma an attractive destination for biotech firms seeking a knowledgeable and experienced workforce. 

With a focus on talent retention, research excellence, and industry collaboration, Oklahoma is poised to become a hub for biotechnology innovation, driving progress for generations to come.