New report pulls back the curtain on SA biotech

The secrets of the South Australian bioscience sector have been revealed in a survey released last week by BioInnovation SA, the government-supported biotech industry development team.

The report was launched by the South Australian Minister for Science and Information Economy, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith.

According to BioInnovation SA CEO Dr Jurgen Michaelis, the report -- 'South Australian Bioscience: Revealing the Secrets' -- provides a snapshot of both the bioscience research output of the state and the contribution of industry to the state's economy.

Michaelis explained it was the first detailed look at the key indicators of bioscience research output, including the scope and quality of papers published by scientists in the state, as well as an analysis of the research and industry strengths.

"It is the first time we have had an accurate and thorough report into South Australia's bioscience industry. It is a significant achievement for us to have created this report and it will be pivotal for boosting our existing activities and implementing new initiatives," he said.

One big finding of the survey was that 58 per cent of the 13,999 papers published worldwide by South Australian researchers across all disciplines could be categorised as bioscience, primarily in human and animal health, but also representing agricultural bioscience and environmental applications. Other sciences claimed 33 per cent of the publications, while the remaining 9 per cent were from the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Collaborations with other scientists also featured strongly in South Australia, with 29 per cent of all publications involving international collaborations and another 22 per cent in collaboration with scientists from other states.

And 42 per cent of papers were published in the top 25 per cent of bioscience journals, highlighting the quality of the research being done across the sector.

The local biotech industry was also examined, indicating that more than 800 people are employed by more than 40 companies in the state. Most of the companies are small- to medium-sized, with between one and 150 employees, and more than a third were established some time in the last five years.

And the total revenues from the companies surveyed came to more than $98 million, indicating that the sector substantially contributes to South Australia's economy.

Michaelis said that the numbers surprised even him. "With revenues in the order of $100 million per year, that's not a smallish industry," said Michaelis. "There has been R&D expenditure of $29 million by industry over the last 12 months alone."

According to the report, the most active sectors of the biotech industry in South Australia are human and animal health, medical and veterinary devices and the professional services sector. The report suggests that the emergence of professional services for the biotech industry indicates a critical mass of support for the sector.

Michaelis said the report would provide some validation to the biotech community in South Australia and would help in getting support to the sector from a variety of directions.

"It sends a very strong message to the investment community and capital providers, but also to the government," Michaelis noted.

The government has already expressed interest in holding discussions with the biotech community about translating the results of the survey into economic development, he added.

The report was the result of a project between BioInnovation SA and Ernst and Young. Michaelis said that the project was unique as it was largely developed as an Honours thesis for Flinders University student Joanna Close, under his supervision.

A more comprehensive analysis of the survey would be released next year, he said.