Recently, three major biotech events occurred in North Carolina.On May 13th, the first annual BioPharma Leadership Forum was held at NC State University. The all day event focused on “Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Modernization and Optimization.” In addition, the university spotlighted its new MBA concentration in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
On May 24th & 25th, the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), along with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the North Carolina Biosciences Organization (NCBIO) and the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), hosted the 14th annual Biotech conference. Biotech 2005 attracted over 800 people for two days of keynotes, panel discussions, and networking. The event emphasized collaboration, partnership, and growth in the community.
On June 2nd, the state of North Carolina broke ground on a 91,000 square foot Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center on NC State University Centennial Campus. Built to industry standards, the new facility will serve students and works from around the state. NC State will also offer new undergraduate and graduate degrees in biotechnology.
Now you might ask yourself what these events have to do with information technology. In the 1990’s information technology grew into an industry of its own. IT professionals identified with technology more than business. In a new and rapidly expanding market that makes sense. Now as IT matures, the professionals need to re-align themselves with the business and the problems they solve. We need to understand how to apply technology to benefit the company’s bottom line. How to grow the business. How to reduce costs. How to open new markets. Being plugged into industry, through events like the ones above, gives us the perspective to help optimize our client’s business, challenge their thinking, and offer fresh insight. Without that, our value approaches zero.