Countries around the world are competing for global leadership in the life sciences by supporting breakthrough research as well as the production of key assets, from vaccines to medical devices and tools for digital health. As new challenges—such as a global pandemic—test global cooperation, local actions are increasingly likely to shape the future of work in the life sciences around the world. What innovation(s) in the biotech industry offer the greatest promise for economic growth and job creation? Should communities offer tax incentives or government subsidies to attract private investment? What do they need to do to train the next generation of biotech professionals? And how can communities create new job opportunities for under-served populations?