Number of biotech jobs grow in N.C.
Published: Thu, Nov. 20, 2008 12:00PM
Modified Thu, Nov. 20, 2008 12:07PM
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closeYears of investment paid off for North Carolina with the highest five-year growth rate in biotechnology jobs nationwide.
Considered the third largest U.S. biotech hub by number of companies, North Carolina increased its biotech work force by about 18.5 percent from 2001 to 2006, according to a report released by the N.C. Biotechnology Center today.
About 180,000 North Carolinians now work in biotech research, development and manufacturing or for companies catering to the biotech industry, earning about $9.4 million in wages or salaries per year.
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The jobs are mainly located along Interstates 40 and 85, with clusters in the Triangle, the Triad and the Charlotte area.
About $1.2 billion in investments over the past decade and the support the industry has enjoyed from state lawmakers and the taxpayer-funded biotech center were key drivers for the job creation, the report found.
Looking ahead, the report suggested that "North Carolina is extremely well positioned to experience substantial further growth and development from biotechnology."
The report was commissioned by the biotech center and compiled by the Battelle Technology Partnership Practice, a Cleveland, Ohio, group that advises states on economic growth.
sabine.vollmer@newsobserver.com or (919) 829-8992
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