Although we have had much success, I believe we have only scratched the surface of North Carolina's potential in biotechnology. To reach that potential, we need a clear road map to the state's biotechnology future--a plan that fully taps North Carolina's many resources to create jobs and products for today and the future.
— Gov. Michael Easley
In June 2003, Gov. Michael Easley tasked the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to lead the development of a strategic business plan for strengthening the state's biotechnology industry.
Former governors Jim Hunt and Jim Martin co-chaired a 15-member blue ribbon steering committee of distinguished business, academic and government leaders from throughout the state.
Six working groups with more than 120 state residents were formed to analyze areas critical to biotechnology development including university research and infrastructure; K-12 education; workforce training; entrepreneurial companies; recruitment of life science companies and public policy/societal considerations.
Those recommendations were then crafted and included in the 104-page document, "New Jobs Across North Carolina: A Strategic Plan for growing the Economy Statewide through Biotechnology."
Six months after Easley asked for a plan to improve the state's foothold on biotechnology, the Governor's office released the document Feb. 11, 2004.