INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

According to the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), biotechnology is “a collection of technologies that capitalize on the attributes of cells, such as their manufacturing capabilities, and put biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, to work for us.”  The definition includes a diverse group of industries commonly linked by their application of how plants, animals, and human cells function.  Industries spanning biotechnology are medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural, defense, and environmental in scope and cut across manufacturing, services, and research activities.  Often referred to as the “life sciences” or “biosciences” because of its broad scope, it is a unique industry cluster undergoing constant transformation as new discoveries and research warrant.

Biotechnology is impossible without the specific components of education, workforce, research prowess, entrepreneurial vision, venture capital funding, progressive legislative policies, facilities and services, economic development, and commercialization and manufacturing processes.  In this section of the Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute’s website, you will find resources to help you understand the scope of the life science industry and biotechnology activities around Texas regionally, throughout the state, in the nation, and the world.

The biosciences are recognized globally as a key driver of modern economic progress, offering enormous potential for linking basic research innovations with new market opportunities. Advances in human, plant, and animal biosciences have led to the growth of companies in many areas, from drug development to molecular diagnostics to biomaterials and biocomposites, biofuels, and other bio-related products. Recognizing this, states and regions throughout the United States are investing to create a business climate that supports the specific needs of the biosciences sector. These efforts focus on technology, talent, and capital, the key ingredients needed to grow a bioscience-driven economy.  Since 2004, Battelle, BIO, SSTI, and PMP Public Affairs Consulting, Inc., have tracked the development of the U.S. biosciences industry on a state and metropolitan statistical area (MSA) basis and the implementation of state policies and programs to support the biosciences industry. This report presents data on national, state, and metropolitan bioscience employment and growth trends during 2001 to 2006, state-level data that serve as indicators of the performance of the biosciences sector, and information on state bioscience programs and policies. (Technology, Talent and Capital: State Bioscience Initiatives 2008, produced by Batelle, SSTI and BIO)

See entire report.