A detailed new analysis of the biotechnology industry in Australiacovers 151 dedicated biotechnology enterprises ("Group 1"), plus morethan 150 other companies which have significant biotechnologyinvolvement as part of their spectrum of activity, and/or are operatingin closely related areas of bioscience ("Group 2"). For Group 1, majorareas of biotechnology activity are analysed. About 43% of thesecompanies have their main focus on health, with significant numbersalso in agribiotech/food, biologicals, genetic testing, veterinary, orseveral different major areas. Of the health sector, 63% mainlyconcentrate on pharmaceuticals, 15% on diagnostics, and 12% on both.Group 1 companies listed on stock exchanges are identified, andadditional Tables list examples of companies focusing on selectedindustry sectors. New South Wales and Victoria each account for around30% of the Group 1 companies, with the other mainland States hosting9%-12% each. Results from previous studies are summarised on keyindicators of industry growth such as revenue, exports, strategicalliance activity, and intellectual property transaction activity.International comparison reveals that Australia rates relatively wellin terms of number of dedicated biotechnology companies. Many of theseare small, young start-up ventures, and the industry has expandedmarkedly recently. The 21/2-year period to mid-2000 has seen 39enterprises commence their biotechnology activity - 26% of thecurrently active companies. We conclude that to build the Australianbiotechnology industry as a key player in the 21st century economy, theemphasis should be on developing stronger, more viable companies, withbetter access into global markets. For Group 2 companies, which operateover a wide spectrum of biotechnology and bioscience sectors, Tablesshow examples of companies in prominent areas of activity, andcompanies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The articleconcludes by identifying selected areas of strength in the Australianbiotechnology and bioscience based industry, with numerous examples ofcompanies to illustrate the wide variety of products and activities.
