Collaboration in Akron for Medical Research

Economic research show a strong link between a region's level of research and development spending and its economic prosperity. Northeast Ohio lags behind the rest of the nation in research spending. (If we matched the national average, our region would add about 11,000 jobs.) That is why it is so encouraging to see a large group of entities unite to address the issue in the Akron area.

Here's the latest on the Akron Academic Health Center project from a story published in today's Akron Beacon Journal written by Cheryl Powell:

The Akron area's major hospitals, university and medical school are taking another step toward joining forces for research and education.

The University of Akron Foundation is securing $881,200 in public and private funds to create a business plan to develop a regional partnership known as the Akron Academic Health Center.

Summit County and Akron are being asked to contribute $50,000 each toward the plan. County Council could vote on the proposal as early as Monday.

County Executive Russ Pry said the taxpayer investment is worthwhile because it could lead to a $300 million project in Akron.

The academic health center concept calls for UA to team up with Summa Health System, Akron General Medical Center, Akron Children's Hospital and the Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy to boost medical research and education in the region and ultimately improve health services, Summa spokesman Mike Bernstein said on behalf of the five partners.