Have you ever wondered what happens when global biotech meets border town innovation? Let me tell you about one of my favorite Tijuana success stories that perfectly illustrates the power of cross-border collaboration.
When San Diego Met Tijuana: A Match Made in Biotech Heaven
Back in 2015, ThermoFisher Scientific, a global biotechnology powerhouse with over $40 billion in revenue, made a decision that would transform their technological capabilities. They established a Software Center of Excellence right here in Tijuana – just a stone’s throw away from their Carlsbad, California headquarters.
Why Tijuana, you ask? Well, imagine needing top-tier software talent that can easily collaborate with your U.S. teams without the headaches of overseas operations. That’s exactly what ThermoFisher was looking for; quality talent in the same time zone as their California operations.
From Modest Beginnings to Major Impact
What started with around 45 staff members in 2016 quickly expanded with ambitions to grow to over 200 software developers. These aren’t just any tech jobs; the professionals at ThermoFisher’s Tijuana facility work on cutting-edge technology to develop software and cloud applications that directly support scientific research, including the search for cures for diseases like cancer. Talk about meaningful work!
As Mark Field, CTO of Software Services at ThermoFisher Scientific, put it: “being just one hour apart makes an amazing difference in how the teams are productive together.” That one-hour drive between Tijuana and Carlsbad has created a level of collaboration that would be impossible with traditional offshore operations.
The Tijuana Advantage
So what makes Tijuana such a perfect fit for a global biotech leader? Let me count the ways:
- Location, location, location: Positioned just minutes from the San Ysidro border crossing and less than an hour’s drive from Carlsbad, teams can meet face-to-face regularly, building stronger relationships and solving problems more efficiently.
- Growing tech talent: While Tijuana has traditionally been known for manufacturing, the city now boasts a growing pool of specialized software talent. ThermoFisher has attracted “an extremely skilled group of software personnel from around Mexico” who are eager to join their innovative center.
- Educational ecosystem: With more than 50 public and private universities in Baja California, many focusing on engineering and advanced tech studies, there’s a continuous pipeline of fresh talent.
- Cost efficiency with quality: Operating in Tijuana allows ThermoFisher to “realize accelerated rates of innovation with less financial risk.” Those savings can be reinvested into U.S. headquarters and research activities while maintaining high-quality operations.
Navigating the Challenges
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Tijuana’s competitive real estate market saw leasing rates jump 14% in 2023 alone, and there is extremely low availability. ThermoFisher addressed this by constructing a “world-class office facility” near the border crossing.
Then there’s the challenge of employee retention in a hot job market, with regional turnover rates expected to reach around 60% in 2023. ThermoFisher’s strategy? Create compelling career opportunities, offer professional development, and engage employees in meaningful work aligned with their mission to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.
The Bigger Picture: A Model for Cross-Border Collaboration
What I find most impressive about ThermoFisher’s Tijuana operations is how they’ve become “an integral part of our global technology offerings.” Their experience demonstrates the strategic advantages of well-executed cross-border operations, balancing cost considerations with operational excellence and innovation capabilities.
This isn’t just nearshoring; strategic positioning creates mutual benefits. ThermoFisher advances its global mission while contributing to regional economic development through job creation, skill development, and technology transfer.
The Future Looks Bright
With plans to double the center’s size and significantly increase its software development workforce, ThermoFisher is seeing tremendous value in its Tijuana operations. Their success offers valuable insights for other organizations considering similar expansions.
So the next time someone asks you about Tijuana’s potential, tell them about ThermoFisher Scientific – where cross-border collaboration is helping scientists make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer, one line of code at a time.
This post is part of our ongoing series highlighting Tijuana Success Stories – showcasing how our city is becoming a hub for innovation and cross-border collaboration.
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