Universities and their affiliated medical centers and research institutes are crucial assets for a community in generating regional economic growth. Federal spending from government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health help develop robust life-science clusters that flourish through collaborations with industry, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, private equity and venture financiers, and local entrepreneurs. These partnerships establish research labs and highly educated staff, attract new research-oriented companies, and grant access to cutting-edge discoveries while simultaneously enhancing commercialization of academic discoveries. Ultimately, regions with vibrant life-science clusters produce high-paying jobs, raise community education levels, nurture arts and cultural programs, and expand access to cutting-edge medical services.