There are a wide variety of issues on the table at this week's annual meeting of BIO in Chicago--biodefense, new technology and an improved regulatory process, to name a few--but the underlying theme here is always about economic development. Some 12 state governors will be here this week touting their states as the next big biotech phenomenon. In many cases, the story will center on educated work forces and the like, but the sales pitch likely to get the greatest attention will be direct financial and research support. A variety of state legislatures are on the verge of significantly upping the ante on biotech incentives. And they're likely to make some of the most convincing cases for up-and-coming drug developers who are looking at years of big losses in the uphill climb toward marketing approval.