As Delaware and the nation prepare to undergo political transitions at all levels of leadership, that change will bring an inevitable shift in priorities.
The focus and funding for research, technology development, capital infrastructure and education are always key areas of debate. Yet, these transitions always open doors to fresh opportunities that build upon our strengths.
For Delaware, fundamental economic pillars include our thriving life sciences ecosystem and a willingness to embrace collaboration and coalition-building to advance innovation and improve human health outcomes. From more recent groundbreaking research partnerships between our universities and global biotech firms (examples: NIIMBL and Waters’ Immerse Delaware) to the legacy of DuPont transforming the state into a hub for chemical and life science innovation, Delaware has consistently demonstrated the power of collective effort. These collaborations have not only driven economic growth but also positioned Delaware as a leader in addressing critical health challenges, from advanced manufacturing of biologics to cutting-edge cancer therapies.
As we prepare for new administrations at the local, state, and federal levels, we’d be wise to invest in strengthening this identity. And we would be in good company. Looking around the country, where you see thriving life sciences and tech ecosystems, a common thread is woven: close-knit partnerships between public and private research engines, working together to drive both innovation and economic growth.
Consider Philadelphia’s growing tech and innovation ecosystem, where investments from the public and private sectors are fueling breakthroughs in fields like biotech, while connecting startups with established institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s public-private partnership has attracted billions in private investment and positioned the state as a global leader in biotech, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Similarly, the latest announcement by NIST of a new $285 million CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute in North Carolina underscores the power of public-private partnerships to position regions as leaders in advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, driving economic growth and technological leadership on a national scale.
This collaborative model is a powerful one. Universities and research institutions bring cutting-edge discoveries, technical expertise, and a strong workforce pipeline, while industry provides real-world challenges, scalable solutions, and crucial investment. Together, they create environments where talent, technology, and capital come together to build thriving communities.
Here in Delaware, we’re well-positioned to continue harnessing this same synergy to build an innovative, resilient economy that supports our workforce and attracts new talent and businesses to the state. And while existing collaborations between academic institutions, industry associations, non-profits, research parks, and innovation hubs already serve as strong foundations, driving advancements in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, cancer research, and workforce development – these efforts are just the beginning.
By doubling down on our collaborative spirit and leveraging Delaware’s unique strengths, we can shape a future where innovation and opportunity go hand in hand. Let’s commit to fostering bold, long-term investments in our industry-university partnerships, creating spaces where groundbreaking ideas take flight. Delaware’s life sciences sector is poised to lead—bridging academic discovery with industrial ingenuity and transforming research into solutions that fuel our economy and improve lives.
Together, we can position Delaware not just as a participant, but as a powerhouse driving the next wave of economic growth and scientific breakthroughs. Let’s make Delaware the place where innovation thrives through collaboration, connectivity, and collective impact.
Nicole Merli is the Director of University & Industry Relations, Life Sciences at University of Delaware and the Delaware Bioscience Association.
