Building a discovery ecosystem

by Regal Leftwich, Chris Small and David Cole
Originally published in R+D World, July 2026

First-time lab developers succeed not by replicating existing models, but by intentionally building flexible, partnership-driven discovery ecosystems that align tenants, infrastructure and market timing. As demand for science and research space grows and traditional office markets soften, developers are increasingly exploring laboratory and advanced manufacturing projects to diversify their portfolios. Entering the life sciences market, however, presents unique challenges, from understanding specialized infrastructure requirements to navigating unfamiliar cost structures and regulatory expectations.

It’s vital for developers to evaluate the balance between research and development (R&D), manufacturing, pilot, flex and support space while understanding core development metrics such as Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) measurements, rental structures and cost per square foot. They must also assess established science markets alongside emerging competitors. By applying practical frameworks and embracing flexibility, developers can create facilities that support innovation in rapidly evolving science and manufacturing sectors.

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