Biotechnology has been a rapidly growing field of research and development since the mid-twentieth century, but it was not until the 1980s that it truly became a big business. In this decade, a number of key factors came together to create an environment in which biotechnology companies could thrive.

One of the key drivers of the biotechnology boom in the 1980s was the development of recombinant DNA technology, which allowed scientists to manipulate the genetic material of organisms in ways that were previously impossible. This technology opened up new avenues for research and development in a wide range of industries, from medicine and agriculture to environmental science and energy production.

Another important factor in the growth of the biotechnology industry was the passage of the Bayh-Dole Act in 1980, which allowed universities and other non-profit institutions to patent and license their inventions. This legislation paved the way for biotechnology start-ups to emerge from university labs, creating a wave of new companies that were focused on commercializing the latest scientific discoveries.

The 1980s also saw a wave of consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry, as large drug companies sought to acquire smaller biotech firms with promising products and technologies. This trend continued into the 1990s and beyond, with many of the largest drug companies today having acquired or merged with biotechnology firms.

The rise of biotechnology as a big business has had a significant impact on the global economy. According to a report by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the biotechnology industry generated $2.1 trillion in economic output and supported 8 million jobs in the United States alone in 2018. In addition, the industry has created many new products and technologies that have improved health outcomes, increased agricultural productivity, and reduced the environmental impact of industrial processes.

Today, the biotechnology industry continues to grow and evolve, driven by advances in areas like gene editing, synthetic biology, and personalized medicine. As new discoveries and technologies emerge, biotechnology is likely to remain a major driver of innovation and economic growth for many years to come.