NCBiotech has a global reach

Recently, I was asked to reflect on the North Carolina Biotechnology Center as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. It’s been my pleasure and privilege to work with the NCBiotech team for almost 15 years.

Building the NC brand all over the world

As I reflect on my experiences, I am inevitably reminded of the global impact of NCBiotech and the life sciences ecosystem it created in North Carolina. This is because my first experience with NCBiotech’s team was to prepare North Carolina for visits from international delegations and trade missions to important spots around the world. I can remember far too many flights running 10 hours and more to get to meetings in Barcelona, Dubai, Shanghai, Yokohama and Santiago.

We went in the name of promoting North Carolina to international investors, letting them know that North Carolina was a great place to do business. The work has paid off. Today, North Carolina is home to hundreds of foreign-owned life science companies that have invested heavily in the state and employ thousands of North Carolinians. In fact, nearly 300,000 individuals in our state go to work for foreign-owned companies every single day.

Through the years, North Carolina has become recognized as a hub for life sciences innovation, research and development. Over the last several decades, NCBiotech has cultivated a thriving ecosystem that extends from world-class academic institutions to cutting-edge biotech companies. This ecosystem is not only shaping the North Carolina economy but also making significant global impacts in areas like healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Understanding the strengths of North Carolina’s life sciences ecosystem and how it contributes to global advances provides a unique perspective on its importance.

Global biotech companies like Amgen, Novo Nordisk, GSK, and Pfizer have established a significant presence in the state, investing in North Carolina’s talent pool and research infrastructure. One of the most significant contributions of North Carolina’s life sciences sector is in biomanufacturing. The state is known worldwide as a biomanufacturing powerhouse, producing biologic drugs, vaccines, and therapies distributed worldwide. 

A workforce that makes a global impact

The North Carolina Community College System’s BioNetwork provides workforce development and training programs that ensure companies have access to skilled workers adept in the latest biomanufacturing techniques. This level of expertise has positioned North Carolina as a critical player in the global pharmaceutical supply chain, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when biomanufacturing became essential for producing vaccines and therapeutics.

Additionally, North Carolina’s focus on workforce development through partnerships between the life sciences industry and academic institutions ensures a steady supply of highly skilled workers. These programs not only benefit the local economy but also contribute to the state’s ability to impact global markets by providing talent and expertise that are essential for driving life sciences innovations.

NC-made products found worldwide 

As businesses become established here, the other advantage that is quickly recognized is that North Carolina-made products are in high demand around the globe. 

We also have a strong logistics infrastructure, which allows us to get products anywhere in the world in a matter of days. In 2023, North Carolina life sciences manufacturers exported over $10 billion in goods and services to clients worldwide. 

2024 numbers show that that total will increase even more. Where are the top markets for these in-demand products? China, Canada, Spain, Ireland, and Sweden lead the way. But France, Japan and Mexico are also major trade partners.

NCBiotech: lead ambassador

North Carolina’s life sciences ecosystem is a dynamic and globally influential force in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and agricultural sciences. Its robust academic institutions, cutting-edge biomanufacturing capabilities, leadership in gene and cell therapy, and expertise in clinical research all contribute to its global impact.

As the world continues to face pressing challenges in healthcare, food security, and sustainable development, North Carolina’s life sciences sector will remain a crucial player in delivering innovative solutions that benefit populations worldwide, and NCBiotech will continue to be one of our lead ambassadors.

John Loyack is vice president of economic development for the North Carolina Community College System.