Biotechnology--a new tool for economic development.

• Position: On First Reading

You've heard of the Rust Belt and the Bible Belt, but do you know about the "Biotechnology Belt?"

States are forming clusters of biotechnology research laboratories and companies to meet potential demands for products and as a unique means of economic development.

Michigan will spend $1 billion over the next 20 years to create a life sciences corridor. Kentucky has set up a "Bucks for Brains" program to lure biotechnology stars to its universities by supplementing their salaries. Wisconsin is investing $65 million of its public employee pension funds in life science companies.

Michigan's pledge to spend $50 million per year for 20 years "tells industry, academics and private investors of the state's seriousness in becoming a national biotechnology center," says Senator Dianne Byrum.

Twenty-two companies either moved to the state or started a new business during 2001, compared to almost none when the program began a few years ago.

Pennsylvania plans to spend $2 billion of its tobacco money on biotechnology, committing $100 million to establish business incubators...