Case Study

EDC helped define and quantify San Diego’s $6 billion RNA cluster

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ServiceIntelligence­/Research

September 2023

The mission of 1STRAND is to showcase San Diego County as the premier location for RNA therapeutics and research and development (R&D), and to be a forum for continual education to highlight the potential positive impact of RNA medicines on public health. An emerging organization, 1STRAND needed to better define and quantify the impact of the RNA ecosystem so it can continually position the region for investment, talent, and growth.

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Challenge

As a newly established organization in the region, 1STRAND wanted to position itself as a regional hub for RNA therapeutics companies and bring visibility to the emerging industry cluster.

1STRAND sought to define the economic impact of the local RNA cluster and better showcase San Diego for investment and talent—and that’s where EDC came in.

EDC solution and support provided

1STRAND tapped EDC’s Research Bureau to conduct an economic impact assessment of the RNA cluster in the San Diego region, which included surveying local companies to understand the depth and reach of the cluster, as well as relative strengths compared to peer metros, emerging occupations, and opportunities to promote future growth. EDC produced a web report that found San Diego is home to dozens of RNA firms supporting more than 11,000 jobs. The report proved San Diego’s RNA cluster is well positioned to lead in RNA therapeutics innovation as it has capabilities in both R&D and manufacturing.

Value derived

EDC presented results at 1STRAND’s report launch event in September 2023 to approximately 50 industry leaders from across the region. The report also facilitated connections with the broader business community, such as a panel presentation by RNA industry leaders and academic researchers, including the September 2024 RNA Leaders USA Congress.

To further promote the report launch, EDC also published a blog and featured the findings across social media, e-news, and more.

Read the report

“The RNA industry report produced by EDC was an important way for 1STRAND to understand the positive impact our RNA cluster has on San Diego’s economy and scientific community. EDC’s report helps us tell our story in a succinct and accessible manner to various stakeholders, from job applicants and executives to board members and investors. Anyone considering launching an RNA startup now knows that San Diego is the premier location to do so.”

— Dr. Michael Hodges, CEO, 1STRAND

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