The Pacific Rim Vaccine Initiative would also provide a major boost to the regional economy at a much-needed time. Expected benefits include:
- Construction - construction of the facilities would result in the infusion of millions of dollars into the local economy. Construction jobs would also be created.
- New jobs - hundreds of new jobs would be created in order to operate the center. Lab assistants, technologists and various support staff (clerical, security and facilities) would be hired. The expanded research and facilities would also attract the world’s leading infectious disease scientists and immunologists, along with their existing grant dollars.
- Research conducted through the initiative is also expected to generate spin-off business opportunities (e.g., commercialization of vaccines, technologies developed). It is hoped that these companies would establish their headquarters in the Northwest, near the source of the discoveries behind their products.
