The Orthopedic Economic Cluster Is “Greater than the Sum of Its Parts.”

June 2011: OrthoWorx eNewsletter

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
— Aristotle, Greek philosopher

This idea holds especially true for Warsaw, Indiana, The Orthopedics Capital of the World. What began as one orthopedic company founded nearly 120 years ago has grown into the “largest concentration of orthopedic firms in the nation.”*

The parts of this industry economic cluster go beyond the obvious metal and polyethylene used to produce the end products. The parts are ingrained in the community and include the dynamic interconnectivity among the worldwide headquarters of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers, the technical service providers, consultant companies and sole proprietorships. This interconnectivity extends beyond orthopedics, as well.

It extends to the broader community through such attributes as growth and innovation, community enhancement, education, talent and workforce development. It is felt in commerce, community initiatives, relationships and friendships. What is good for the local orthopedic industry is good for the greater community as well.

OrthoWorx engages and enhances the broader community interests that both serve and depend on the orthopedic sector’s continued growth. While maintaining its orthopedic focus, OrthoWorx realizes the value of the community as a whole. The OrthoWorx board of directors includes not only leaders in the orthopedics industry but also leaders from the banking industry, the non-profit sector, higher education and the life sciences.

OrthoWorx has made significant progress in its first year, investing more than $1 million in and for the benefit of the Warsaw community. These investments are beginning to produce tangible results. OrthoWorx is looking toward the future as this momentum helps to advance and support growth and innovation in the orthopedic economic cluster. This will help to ensure Warsaw remains the Orthopedics Capital of the World.

*The Economic Impact of Kosciusko County’s Orthopedics Industry, Indiana Business Research Center, April 2011.