Georgia amps up efforts to attract biotech industry

San Francisco: 49,000

Raleigh-Durham-Charlotte: 21,590

Boston: 32,630

* Note: The Bureau of Labor Statistics' definition for life, physical and social science occupations includes food scientists, biochemists, lab technicians, biologists, agricultural technicians and chemical workers.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2011 Metropolitan Area Estimates

Georgia has devoted time and treasure to build on a foundation for the biotech industry, but the question echoing among the state’s business leaders is whether more jobs will follow.

State officials have tried for decades to make Georgia a national leader in biosciences. Recruiters have landed some coups — notably, the new Baxter International plant near Social Circle — but leaders are considering aggressive and perhaps surprising tactics to speed up the pace.

Traditional efforts include Kennesaw State University's opening on Thursday of a $21 million laboratory geared toward biosciences work.

Then there are the gutsier strategies. The Georgia Research Alliance, a nonprofit that receives public and private funding to boost university-based development, is exploring the idea of recruiting biotech entrepreneurs who would start a company from scratch here.

Subscribers can read our full report on the state’s ongoing effort to lure the industry to Georgia in Wednesday’s AJC or on our subscription tablet app.