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Bioscience is a good fit for Virginia

Although Northern Virginia is home to one of the nation's largest concentrations of technology companies, the state is now developing a strong bioscience community.

The importance of this emerging industry to Virginia's economy is one reason Gov. Timothy Kaine attended the BIO International Conference in Atlanta, the largest global event for the biotech industry.

With concentrations of biosciences companies statewide--in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Charlottesville, Blacksburg, and Hampton Roads--Virginia is emerging as an attractive home for this industry.

Virginia bioscience companies are responsible for more than 50 drugs on the market or undergoing clinical trials.

The biotech industry represents more than 20,000 jobs in Virginia--paying an average of $75,000, 42 percent more than the state's average.

The race to attract the best scientists and top companies is fierce. With its outstanding business environment and Forbes ranking as the Best State for Business, Virginia must examine how we compare to our global competitors.

The recent General Assembly session took a bold step in passing legislation aimed at rewarding investors for developing advanced technologies discovered at our universities.

It's critical that Virginia have a diverse employment base. I urge our leaders to continue transforming Virginia into a leading bioscience center.

Mark Herzog

Richmond

The writer is executive director, Virginia Biotechnology Association.