Business View - December 2014 119
educated population and dynamic, creative and en-
trepreneurial environment is fueled by the availability
of funding, research collaboration, clinical trials and
skilled talent.
Austin’s life sciences cluster has evolved into a well-
rounded representation of the industry as a whole.
More than 210 life sciences companies in the region
are focused on the highest growth segments and re-
search areas in the industry, including the specialties
of biologics, medical devices, diagnostics, pharmaceu-
tical, contract research and others.
The Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at
Austin, projected to open in 2016, will transform the
local economy dramatically and will also improve
healthcare in Travis County and throughout the coun-
try by training new physicians, providing treatment in
a new teaching hospital and conducting research to
expand knowledge of medicine and medical technol-
ogy. A $50 million gift from the
Livestrong Foundation to es-
tablish the Livestrong Cancer
Institutes will drive revolution-
ary advancements in patient-
centered care.
Austin is home to events like
Austin City Limits and SXSW
Music, Film and Interactive–
so it’s no surprise that the
region has become a pre-
mier destination for creative
and digital media technol-
ogy. More than 47,000 people
throughout the Austin metro
are employed in game, soft-
ware and mobile application
development as well as music
and film technology, educa-
tion technology, advertising, social media and digital
content production.
Austin’s creative culture is fed by its diversity, focus
on education, pro-business stance and unsurpassed
quality of life. Professionals come to Austin for world-
renowned computer science programs, as well as for
degrees in film, design and new media at The Univer-
sity of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, Austin
Community College and St. Edward's University.
Continued opportunities remain for Austin to position
the region for future evolution and success, allowing
the region to further emerge as an international busi-
ness leader, attract the best and brightest and spur
additional investment in the area. 2013 brought huge
advances toward this goal with the launch of Austin’s
first direct, nonstop flight to London Heathrow from
British Airways.
Sustained prosperity for Austin is dependent upon con-
tinued economic and community development efforts.
Like any other city, Austin is not immune to the trials
of continued growth, including regional mobility and
water challenges continued cultivation of workforce
development, removing barriers to financial aid for
higher education, among others. The Austin chamber
is a consistent presence in an environment of evolv-
ing policy priorities, persistently tackling these prob-
lems and working with current and future government
leadership to promote a long-term, business-friendly
environment.
Central Texas will continue to band together and be
forceful advocates for additional prosperity in the re-
gion, and the Austin Chamber of Commerce’s team of
professionals is constantly monitoring and evaluating
opportunities for growth across business, workforce,
innovation and policy that will enhance Austin’s bright
future.
PUBLIC SECTOR
