Biotechnology Innovation Organization
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is the largest advocacy association in the world representing the biotechnology industry. It was founded in 1993 as the Biotechnology Industry Organization, and changed its name to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization on January 4, 2016. Biotechnology Innovation Organization serves more than 1,100 biotechnology firms, research schools, state biotechnology centers and related associations in the United States and in more than 30 other countries. Activities. Annual Conference. BIO holds it's annual international conference each year in the United States. This conference provides networking, business development and partnering activities that are essential to  the biotechnology industry, in which developing products take considerable time and resources and regulatory risks are high. In 2021, BIO shifted it's in-person meetings to virtual, due to restrictions and difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbying. In 2018, BIO spent $9.87 million on lobbying the government of the United States. Past issues that BIO has lobbied on included the amending the Internal Revenue Code to provide an exception from the passive loss rules for investments in high-technology research small business pass-through entities, to include vaccines against seasonal influenza within the definition of taxable vaccines , and to extend, expand, and improve the qualifying therapeutic discovery project program that first became law in 2010. Examples of its public lobbying efforts, include support for development of biofuels such as those produced from algae, genetically modified crops, strong intellectual property rights, and for a more efficient and predictable regulatory process for new food and drug products. Alliances. In June 2013 BIO partnered with the Coalition of Small Business Innovators to lobby the U.S. government to modernize the U.S. tax code "to recognize and promote small business innovation as fundamental to the long-term growth of the U.S. economy . It is a member of The Alliance to Feed the Future, an umbrella network, the mission of which is to raise awareness and improve understanding of the benefits & necessity of modern food production and technology in order to meet global demand". Industry initiatives. The "Right Mix Matters" campaign launched in 2019 targets diversity within biopharmaceutical company leadership, including ongoing assessment of diversity measures (gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation) and the provision of online tools aimed at assisting companies to achieve target diversity goals. Organization. Members. BIOs members include companies that make Pharmaceutical drugs, biofuels, industrial enzymes, and genetically modified crops . As of 2016, it represents 1,100 biotech companies in all 50 U.S. states, which employ 1.61 million Americans and support an additional 3.4 million jobs. Leadership. BIO was founded 1993 in Washington, D.C. and Carl B. Feldbaum was the president from BIO's founding until he retired in 2004. He was succeeded by James C. Greenwood who held the offices of president and CEO from 2005 to 2020. After Congressman Greenwood's 15 years of service, they tapped Michelle McMurry-Heath to become president and CEO . Biotechnology Heritage Award. The Biotechnology Heritage Award, presented annually at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization  (BIO) Annual International Convention by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and the Science History Institute (formerly the Chemical Heritage Foundation), recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of biotechnology through discovery, innovation, and public understanding.