Poll: Biotech will play 'a large role' in Triad's future economy

Biotech will play a significant role in the Triad's future economy.

At least that's what respondents to The Business Journal's most recent online poll, which ran March 7-13, have concluded.

Of the 140 people who answered the question, "What role will biotech play in the Triad's future economy?," 46 percent picked "a large role," and another 39 percent chose "a supporting role." Only 13 percent picked "a limited role," and less than 1 percent chose the answer "none."

Here's a sampling of poll voters' comments, which were made anonymously.

"It is amazing all that is going on already across the Triad in biotech and life sciences. Just take a look at www.triadbiotech.com and see for yourself. We sit poised to ride from the front of the wave."

"Having a goal, and focusing in on that goal, will put the Triad in a position to bring biotech to this area. The infrastructure is here, i.e., WFBMC, which means a world-class (partner) with the knowledge and access to the grants necessary for success in the FDA approval maze."

"Biotechnology, along with nanotechnology, will help generate jobs through companies spawned in the various (universities) in the Triad, along with the research parks like Gateway University Research Park where UNCG and N.C. A&T will collaborate on various nanoscience and nanoengineering projects."

"Crystal balls may shatter; well executed visions don't. The Triad has a vision for biotechnology."

"There are 91 life science-related companies in the Triad employing 28,000 people."

"The hype and public relations around biotechnology, particularly in Winston-Salem, exceeds the realistic potential of the cluster in the Piedmont Triad."

"It is unfortunate that some community college and university folks are so over-selling this field. It's potential for employment is limited, and the companies involved are likely to shift production overseas after proof of concept."