Topeka ? The bioscience industry in Kansas is growing but still trails national levels in some areas, according to the first Kansas Bioscience Index, which was released Thursday.

The index – commissioned by the Kansas Bioscience Authority and done by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University – is meant to provide baseline data on the bioscience industry in the state since passage of the Kansas Economic Growth Act of 2004.

The act set up the Bioscience Authority with approximately $580 million to invest in bioscience businesses and research.

Some of the report’s main findings include:

¢ The number of private bioscience companies in Kansas increased 9.6 percent from 2004 to 2006, from 981 to 1,075.

¢ Employment in private bioscience companies in Kansas increased from 14,889 to 16,135 from 2004 to 2006. Those jobs paid an average of $41,592 in 2006, which is below the national average of $71,255.

¢ For every 1,000 people in science and engineering occupations, Kansas had 8.6 patents awarded in 2004 and 10.1 patents in 2006. The national figures in those two years were 16.6 patents and 16.7 patents.

Tom Thornton, president of the Kansas Bioscience Authority, said the report showed Kansas was increasing its position as a national leader in the field.

In July, site selection magazine Business Facilities named Kansas as one of the top 10 states for biotechnology.

“We are focused on maintaining a comprehensive, business-like investment approach for maximum positive impact on the state’s economy,” Thornton said.