PerspectivesAre you interested in submitting a Perspective Article? Be sure to read The Science Advisory Board's Editorial Guides for Perspective Articles. Click here. BIOENTREPRENEUR SERIES Incubator Focus: Georgia, USA by Tamara Zemlo, Ph.D., MPH Interview with Carol Henderson, Senior Project Manager in the Office of Science & Technology, Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism The Mission The mission of the Office of Science and Technology (OST), a division of the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism, is to recruit and support technology and life science companies. Officially established in 2002, it is an outgrowth of the Economic Development Office of the state that is devoted to proactively supporting the growth of biotechnology in all of Georgia. The office fields two major types of inquiries: information requests pertaining to the status of the Georgian biotechnology industry and queries about relocating or establishing a business in the state. Carol Henderson, the Senior Project Manager in the office, is responsible for investigating and evaluating and a company’s requirements. She then uses this information to assemble a competitive package that might be composed of tax credits, low-interest loans, business and technical services, etc. Georgia’s Advantages While Ms. Henderson has the flexibility to customize a package to best meet a company’s needs, the governor must approve any discretionary incentives. This one-on-one approach has worked well for Georgia as opposed to a one-size-fits-all, standardized offer. Companies are attracted to Georgia for a multitude of reasons including its skilled workforce, the low cost of living combined with the high quality of life, the proximity of an efficient airport, the preeminent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a strong academic system. Capitalizing on this vibrant academic culture, the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA), which is a private-public partnership with the State, has created an Eminent Scholars Program designed to help recruit top talent to Georgia’s research universities. The goal of the program is to commercialize promising research ideas by providing technology transfer assistance and collaboration opportunities with industry. Scholars receive matching funding from the program to supplement their grants and departmental resources. Future Outlook In 2004, Ms. Henderson and her team will dedicate their energies to addressing the shortage of technical support staff, such as qualified lab technicians, by working with Georgia's Quick Start program and technical colleges. Quick Start has been nationally recognized for providing high-quality training services at no cost to new or expanding businesses in the state. The Office of Science & Technology is also investigating the possibility of creating a Facilities Fund to provide assistance to companies who have difficulty securing funding from commercial banks. This Fund is not meant to be seed money, but rather attractive loans for companies. Ms. Henderson is certainly proud of all that Georgia has accomplished in establishing itself as an emerging biotech hub. She feels that her state has the advantage of learning from what other states have done in this regard. Georgia is in the enviable position to capitalize on the strengths and to learn from the weaknesses of each of their different approaches. Georgia’s business-friendly culture makes it an ideal place to introduce new ideas and the enthusiasm exhibited for the biotechnology industry guarantees a commitment to its continued growth and success. http://www.smartgeorgia.org/ ### << Previous Next >> [ View All Perspectives ] |
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