Georgia amps up efforts to attract biotech industry
Workers in life sciences industry *
Metro Atlanta: 10,500
San Diego: 25,290
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.
About the Author
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
