Locations the world over are vying for a share of the growing but still relatively small biotech industry. Although a few newcomers offer tempting alternatives, the established clusters are not about to give up their top spots. Karen E Thuermer reports.

The doors of the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s (BIO) 2005 Annual International Convention will open in June to the 18,000 or so attendees, representing both established and up-and-coming biotech companies. Economic development representatives from all over the world will be anxious to present their arguments about why delegates at Philadelphia’s Convention Center should consider locating to their city or region.