In recognition of the importance of the life sciences industry in South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed February 15-19, 2021 as South Carolina Life Sciences Week in the state of Palmetto.
McMaster made the announcement just steps away from where SCBIO organizers were putting the finishing touches on the first day of the largest life sciences meeting held – virtually, of course – in the state.
A record of more than 600 registrants across America and around the world are attending the SCBIO virtual meeting of the South Carolina life sciences community – and celebrating the contributions of more than 800 organizations in helping America and the world to overcome the challenging Covid-19 pandemic.
“South Carolina has developed a strong reputation as an emerging leader in the life sciences,” said McMaster. “Our innovative companies and exceptional workforce are the main drivers for strengthening our economy and creating new opportunities for the people of South Carolina. With an incredible rate of growth in the industry here, we know that the life sciences will continue to play a role extremely important in the economic success of our state for the next generations ”.
McMaster made the proclamation in downtown Greenville, in the heart of the county that has the largest concentration of life science companies in the state, although the industry has life science organizations in 42 of 46 South Carolina counties.
McMaster was flanked by leaders and board members from SCBIO, an economic development organization focused on South Carolina investors, with a focus on building, advancing, innovating and growing the life sciences industry in the state.
Life sciences have an economic impact of $ 12 billion in the state of Palmetto, with more than 800 companies involved and more than 43,000 professionals employed in the research, development and commercialization of innovative health products, medical devices, industrial, environmental and environmental biotechnology. agricultural.
It also represents a significant focus of economic development for the state, with strong life science recruiting initiatives led by the South Carolina Department of Commerce and other regional economic development teams.
South Carolina’s life sciences sector has doubled the number of companies and increased 40% in direct life science jobs since 2017, which combine to make it the fastest growing industry sector in the state, according to recent data provided by Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, the state’s research economist and economic development specialist at the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.
“Life sciences are a major driver of South Carolina’s economy today, and this conference is proof of the industry’s growing impact, reach and rapidly growing economic importance in our state and country,” said SCBIO’s President and CEO , Sam Konduros.