This week’s episode of “WisBusiness: the Podcast” is with returning guest Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward Wisconsin.
She shares an overview on some of the latest developments in Wisconsin biohealth, as well as major initiatives driving job growth and innovation in the sector. Johnson also emphasizes the fierce competition taking place between states for talent and business investment.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a Republican state or a Democratic state … Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina is huge, that they are fighting for this industry and pushing hard,” she said.
As states are considering related initiatives, BioForward is looking at putting out a legislative platform next year aimed at making Wisconsin more competitive.
“Speed, technology, stability, which means it could be utilities, but also stability of workforce … We have to obviously wait until after the election and see who’s in, but no matter who it is, they really need to start looking and listening to us,” she said, adding “we need better site readiness programs, investments into that.”
She warned that without greater support at the state level for efforts like this, “companies can’t wait two or three years” and will move to places that are offering better incentives and services. Johnson also called for employing more attraction personnel, noting other states are currently beating Wisconsin on this.
The discussion touches on each of the projects being advanced through the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub initiative, which includes efforts to improve health data, expand access to medical scanning, boost the state’s workforce and more.
“We are hitting the goals that we have set, the governance team is doing a great job … I think that’s what I’m really proud about with all of these projects and BioForward, this governance team, is that we’re demonstrating you’ve put money in good hands in Wisconsin,” she said.
Meanwhile, she also reflects on her time leading BioForward Wisconsin, as she’s planning to step down from leading the group at the end of the year. Johnson, who turned 65 in October, says “it’s someone else’s turn” to lead the organization in 2027. .
“It’s been a great ride at BioForward for 11 years, and just to watch this industry just take off and BioForward playing a central role in so many things,” she said.
Listen to the podcast below, sponsored by UW-Madison:
