  |
|
The Voice of Business,
Industry & the Professions Since 1942
North Carolina's largest
business group proudly serves as the state chamber of commerce
|
|
|
|
|
Letter from Phil
Kirk
Why NCCBI Supports
Biotech
 North
Carolina is a nationally-recognized leader in many areas with
biotechnology being just one of many; however, this is one of the most
important for the future of good-paying jobs.
The state’s interest goes back to the late 1970’s when Gov. Jim Hunt
persuaded leaders in the General Assembly to establish the N.C.
Biotechnology Center which actually opened in 1981 as the nation’s
first state-sponsored biotechnology initiative. Initially the center was
a part of state government; however, it was reconstituted in 1984 as a
private, non-profit corporation.
The center rose to national and international prominence under the
superb leadership of Dr. Charles Hamner and that continued commitment to
excellence and innovation continues with the current, dynamic leader in
Dr. Leslie Alexandre.
It is important to understand that the center itself does not conduct
laboratory research. Instead, it works to strengthen the research
capabilities of our state’s companies and universities. This strategy
seeks to avoid duplication and to use limited resources more
efficiently.
Strong executive branch leadership continued through the administrations
of governor Jim Martin and Jim Hunt (again). Gov. Mike Easley showed his
strong interest in enhancing and expanding North Carolina’s leadership
in biotech by convincing former governors Hunt and Martin to chair a
blue-ribbon steering committee to develop a strategic plan for biotech.
In releasing the report, Gov. Easley said, “For the past six months
the best and brightest scientists, educators, business and government
leaders, university and community college leaders, economic developers,
and biotechnology experts from every corner of North Carolina have been
working to develop this plan.”
The “New Jobs Across North Carolina: A Strategic Plan for Growing the
Economy Statewide through Biotechnology” includes recommendations on
how to attract and grow new companies; train and improve our workforce;
strengthen partnerships among businesses, universities and community
colleges, and government; and improve math and science education in
K-12. There are actually 54 strategies included in the report.
North Carolina has more than 150 biotech companies that generate $3
billion in annual revenues. The goal, which I believe to be realistic
and attainable, is to generate 48,000 new biotechnology-related jobs by
2013 and 125,000 by 2023.
The report highlights the need to increase the availability of
early-stage investment capital, to provide targeted tax relief, to help
companies access federal research funding and other resources, and to
create programs to help successful entrepreneurs. It highlights the need
for additional staff for the Department of Commerce to recruit and
retain industries.
It urges that the community colleges be given the resources needed for
providing well-equipped laboratories, professional development for
faculty, as well as supporting the development and implementation of
industry-approved certification programs, articulation agreements, and
innovative curricula.
During the past short session, the General Assembly passed some
important legislation to implement the report, including additional
funding for the Biotech Center. The legislature also expanded tax
credits to promote creation and growth of bioscience and other
innovation-based industries and industrial recruitment and related
training programs which may be used to attract new or expanding life
science manufacturing facilities, which was strongly supported byNCCBI.
The legislature rejected attempts to reduce university research funding
and a proposal to impose price limits on brand name pharmaceuticals
purchased by the state’s Medicaid program, another action supported by
NCCBI.
The efforts are already paying off. Not only has this excellent and
thought-provoking report sparked interest within the state, but also the
attention paid to biotechnology by our political and education leaders
at the highest levels has sent a powerful signal to the biotech industry
nationally and internationally.
We have to work hard, we have to stay focused on successful execution of
the goals, and we have to continue to educate the public on the need for
continued investments which will yield dividends for our children and
grandchildren.
To review the comprehensive plan, check out the website at www.ncbiotech.org
or call the North Carolina Biotechnology Center at 919-541-9366.
|
|
|
|
|
|