Growing a new culture: biotechnology is changing North Carolina manufacturing, including what it makes, what it needs and how it is seen.

• Position: BIOTECHNOLOGY ROUND TABLE - Interview

North Carolina has always been known for manuficturing But in addition to bedroom suites and linen, its workers are now making vaccines and pharmaceuticals. In 2011, biomanufitcturing employed more than 18,000 people at more than 50 companies in the state. The industry is strong and has a bright Atm growing even through the recession. But with this growth comes needs--from resources to talent. A panel of experts recently gathered to discuss how biomanuficturing fits into the state's economy and what is needed to nurture its work, which touches almost everyone who receives medical care. Participating were john Balchunas, director of workfirce development. at Research Triangle Park-based North Carolina Biotechnology Center; William Bullock, vice president of bioscience industrial development at North Carolina Biotechnology Center; Bruce Kaylos, program manager fir Research Triangle Park-based NCBIO Biotech Manuficturers Forum; James Rebbeor, principal process development scientist at Barcelona, Spain-based Grifilsc's Raleigh office; Jonathan Sexton, associate professor in NC. Central University's Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and fruity member at the Biomanuficturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise; and Michael Wanner, executive vice president of operations for Research Triangle Park-based Medicago USA inc., a subsidiaty of Quebec, Canada-based Illedicago Inc. The North Carolina Biotechnology Center sponsored and hosted the discussion, and its president and CEO, E. Norris Tolson, was the moderator. The fillowing transcript has been edited fir brevity and clarity.

What's the status of biomanufacturing in North Carolina?

Kaylos: Over the last 10 or 12 years, biomanufacturing companies in the state have matured. They use diverse technologies--nanotechnology, for example, is becoming a part of biotechnology--that need a high level of expertise. How we accommodate new technology is the next challenge to staying at the top of the industry.

Wanner: I see a stronger industry today compared with two years ago when Meclicago came to the stare. Our sector of the economy is rebounding, and it is an encouraging environment right now.

Sexton: We see, especially from some of our industrial partners, a changing landscape in terms of what technologies need to be reflected in the workforce. We are adapting our curriculum to meet that need.

What suggestions would you share with the governor's new economic adviser to grow biomanufacturing in the state?

Rebbeor: State government needs to make a visible commitment to biotechnology and declare North Carolina the center of biomanufacturing excellence in North America. It needs financial contributions and a commitment from every resource and department in Raleigh, whether it's education or infrastructure.

Wanner: Money must be invested in biomanufacturing. If the state has the vision to see where the economy is moving in terms of better jobs, it should certainly support biotechnology. The state has made steps in that direction. Even at a local level, when we built our building, the county was aggressive and...