The United States biomedical research and innovation enterprise has long been a source of global leadership, scientific breakthroughs, and lifesaving treatments. Decades of investments in research and development have positioned the US as the world’s hub for biomedical discovery and innovation.

Today, the US stands at a critical juncture. Other nations are investing heavily in their life sciences sectors, while fragmented systems, outdated processes, lack of coordination, and inconsistent investment threaten to slow America’s progress. FasterCures, of the Milken Institute, engaged leaders across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to examine what it will take to preserve and strengthen US leadership in life sciences and to produce the advances needed to deliver more effective and affordable health care. Past efforts, such as FasterCures’ convening on barriers to progress in 2011, highlighted the need for bold action. The imperative has only grown since.

As a starting point for dialogue and action, this report presents a set of policy recommendations that include near-term actions to streamline processes and reduce barriers, as well as longer-term reforms to build enduring infrastructure. From this foundation, leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and investment will be essential. The dividends will be clear: better health for all and a stronger, more secure future for the nation.