Life Sciences on the Rise: 2021 North American Report

RESEARCH IS ON THE RISE Life sciences research has clearly been in the spotlight and on the rise this past year— especially with the successful implementation of the new mRNA technology. Being able to leverage mRNA going forward would allow scientists to manipulate life in astonishing new ways—opening the door to new treatments for diseases like cystic fibrosis, cancer and HIV. Fortunately, the education level of the population in these markets continues to increase, providing a solid potential pool of labor. The percentage of the population 25 years of age and older that has at least a bachelor’s degree ranges from 35.5% in Los Angeles to 51.7% in the San Francisco Bay area. The national average is 33.1%.

SHARE OF POPULATION OVER 25 WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE YEAR END 2019

30% 32% 34% 36% 38% 40% 42% 44% 46% 48% 50% 52%

31.9%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics / Note: Canadian cities are for 2016

And that number is increasing. Nationally, the share of the population over 25 with a bachelor’s degree has increased by 13.8 percentage points since 1988. For several of the top Life Sciences markets, that share has increased by 20 percentage points or more.

CHANGE IN SHARE OF POPULATION OVER 25 WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

0.25% 0.30% 0.35% 0.40% 0.45% 0.50% 0.55% 0.60% 0.65% 0.70%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics / Note: U.S. Cities change is from 1988 to 2019. Canadian Cities change is from 2001 to 2016

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