BUSINESS PLANNING & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Medtech manufacturers in the Inland Northwest—a region covering North Idaho and Eastern Washington—enjoy lower operational costs with competitive real estate, utility, wage, and worker compensation rates, while benefiting from the region's skilled workforce, university partnerships, proximity to advanced medical service providers, and assistance with moving products to global markets.

The Inland Northwest's labor pool of more than 400,000 is among the most productive in the nation. There is a high concentration of workers with post-high school education. Turnover and unionization are lower than national averages. Wages are competitive, and workforce training grants are available from both Idaho and Washington.

Six public and two private four-year institutions offer undergraduate and advanced degrees in disciplines critical to medical device firms. These institutions commonly partner with business to support economic growth in urban and rural communities. Additionally, the region boasts more than 22 research parks, several with links to institutions of higher education.

Inland Northwest medtech manufacturers thrive in close proximity to a high concentration of service providers, including major hospitals and healthcare centers. Extensive interconnectivity between healthcare providers exists through Inland Northwest Health Services, an organization that has developed an advanced health information technology network.

Through regional economic development organizations, companies receive direct assistance with moving products to global markets. For example, Spokane's International Trade Alliance opens doors to international business opportunities for medical device manufacturers through an extensive established network of foreign and domestic relationships with public and private organizations.

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