News & Features
Virginia Economic Review
Our quarterly publication, Virginia Economic Review, provides an insider look at Virginia’s economy, its diverse array of world-class companies, its amazing talent, and its stunning natural beauty, as well as insights from national thought leaders.
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Inside Virginia’s Rise to Biopharma Prominence
As the world continues to struggle with drug supply chains and critical shortages, clusters of activity have emerged to move the needle of medication affordability and accessibility.
04.01.2026
A Biopharma Moment Decades in the Making
John Newby is the CEO of Virginia Bio, the nonprofit statewide trade association that serves and promotes the life sciences industry in Virginia.
04.01.2026
Continuous Improvement
A pharmaceutical manufacturing innovation that came out of a Virginia university is changing the way medicines are made. The Commonwealth’s universities and the rest of its biopharma research community are making sure Virginia is ready to make the medicines of the future.
04.01.2026
Enabling Innovation
Would more men try to prevent unintended pregnancies if their choices for contraception went beyond a condom or vasectomy?
04.01.2026
Behind the Effort to Bring Drug Manufacturing Back to U.S. Shores
In October 2025, shovels went into the ground in Elkton, marking the start of a $3 billion pharmaceutical expansion project that will add 400,000 square feet to Merck’s existing campus.
04.01.2026
The Urgency of Building Healthier Communities
Pam Cheng is executive vice president of global operations and IT and chief sustainability officer at AstraZeneca, which recently announced a new facility in Albemarle County — the company’s first in Virginia.
04.01.2026
The Investments Behind a Biopharma Hotspot
A lot changed in Virginia’s life sciences industry in the space of about a month last fall. Between Sept. 16 and Oct. 20, biopharmaceutical manufacturing giants Eli Lilly and Company, AstraZeneca, and Merck & Co.
06.26.2025
A Little Bit of Everything
Virginia’s moderate, four-season climate is a draw for residents of all interests. From the mountains to the beach, Virginians can experience summer heat, winter snow, and everything in between without leaving the Commonwealth.
06.26.2025
A Little Bit of Everything
Virginia’s moderate, four-season climate is a draw for residents of all interests. From the mountains to the beach, Virginians can experience summer heat, winter snow, and everything in between without leaving the Commonwealth.
06.25.2025
The Uncommon Commonwealth
Virginia’s long history and evolution since its founding have left a wide variety of unique attractions, from the historic to the entertaining to the just plain weird.
06.25.2025
The Uncommon Commonwealth
Virginia’s long history and evolution since its founding have left a wide variety of unique attractions, from the historic to the entertaining to the just plain weird.
06.22.2025
A Taste of Virginia
Virginia’s restaurants mirror its communities, with a wide range of specialties to suit all budgets and abundant seafood from its coastal waterways. The Commonwealth is also home to a thriving wine, beer, and spirits industry.
06.20.2025
Trail Mix: Virginia’s Outdoor Escapes
One of the great draws of Virginia for outdoor enthusiasts is its wide variety of landscapes in a compact geographic area.
06.20.2025
From Capital Cool to Coastal Chic
Virginia’s cities, counties, and towns represent a wide range of living situations, with a location to support any lifestyle.
Old Dominion University’s School of Cybersecurity offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in cybersecurity and related disciplines.
Inside Virginia’s Federal Research Partnerships
Recently, an Air Force research agency reached out to George Mason University (GMU) with a pressing issue. Drones were attacking Air Force facilities around the globe.
The Art and Science of Commercialization
Drake Goolsby is chief commercialization officer at Luna Labs, a Charlottesville-based company that helps develop advanced technologies in biotech, advanced materials, and engineered systems for government, military, and industrial clients.
Oakmulgee Dairy Farm in Amelia County is partnering with Vanguard Renewables to convert cow manure into natural gas.
From Milk to Mollusks
When Jeremy Moyer was 6 years old, he started following his dad around their 1,000-acre dairy farm in Amelia County. By the time he was 12, he was getting paid to do chores around the farm. Now, at 42, he runs the farm with his father and brother.
Haleon, Richmond
A Biopharma Booster
Like his fellow Type 1 diabetics, Alec Smith took insulin every day to regulate his blood sugar.



