A 'Biobelt' In St. Louis

The recently released Brookings Institution report that purports to demonstrate the futility of biotechnology as a target of economic development misses the promise of the industry in St. Louis. Biotech promoters in St. Louis point out that Brookings used an unaccountably narrow definition of biotech, considered mainly very small entrepreneurial drug companies, and didn't look at plant biotech at all. In addition, the static measures examined by the Brookings report give a snapshot of yesterday's situation, one that is already out of date as the biotech picture has been changing for the better in St. Louis. St. Louis has raised large amounts of venture capital, has active business incubators, and already has a significant biotech industry presence.