During a tour and discussion Monday afternoon at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Marine Sciences building, Gov. Bev Perdue stressed that although the university system is still key to the state’s economic growth, the private sector is going to have to fill some of the budget shortfalls.
“We have to have the private sector come in and help pay for the research work,” she said. “We have to reach out to the private sector and do it in a different way, where the state doesn’t do all the work.”
The meeting brought together local, state and university officials to discuss business ventures that would help the state grow economically in coming years.
With a large budget shortfall expected next year, Perdue said it’s time to look to the future and ensure that North Carolina succeeds economically. She said marine biotechnology is the future of North Carolina business, which is why she tour UNCW’s center. Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo said marine sciences carry great potential to fuel industryand job growth.
“The ocean is an unbelievable resource, and it has been largely untapped,” DePaolo said. “Right now, there are one in six jobs tied to the ocean.”Jeffrey Wright, a marine science professor, said the biodiversity of the ocean is much greater than that of land and scientists are only beginning to uncover the mysteries of the ocean. He said marine research will produce food, medicine and sustainable products.
“With only 20 states having ocean frontier and only five pursuing research, we could be the leader in this new industry,” he said.
To help find viable revenue streams through ocean research, the school hopes to start construction on the MARBIONC building at the Center for Marine Sciences in January. Along with state research offices, the building will house private research offices that the university intends to lease out.
The school also hopes to capitalize on medical discoveries and fish and oyster farming, DePaolo said.
Perdue said she urges that local governments seek out partnerships with the university to help create industry that helps sustain the region.
DePaolo said she would like to see more local governments step up to partner with the school.
“We are always open to business opportunities with local governments in any way,” she said.
Perdue also said that local governments should follow the state’s model by helping small businesses receive state contracts because small business is the heart of the state’s economy. She said that the state gives preference to in-state companies that can come within five percent of the lowest bidder.
At the end of the meeting, Perdue urged local governments to help lobby the legislature to retain and improve incentives for large industries.
“Whether you hate or like them, we have to understand that they are a part of the process,” Perdue said.
Jason Gonzales: 343-2075
By Jason Gonzales
Jason.Gonzales@StarNewsOnline.com
Published: Monday, November 29, 2010 at 5:31 p.m.
