South City strives to clone early success in biotech. (South San Francisco, CA)

Surprised by a report highlighting the economic importance of biotechnology to their city, South San Francisco officials are increasing efforts to attract and retain biotech companies.

South San Francisco has 24 bioscience firms, more than any other city in the Bay Area, according to a report by the Oakland-based Bay Area Bioscience Center.

But its not so much the boost from the report that is spurring the city into action as the threat posed by other communities which want to raid South San Francisco's biotech base.

Genencor International is leaving and investing $66 million in Palo Alto. Genentech, the city's anchor biotech and largest employer, has acquired 100 acres in Vacaville and is pitting the two cities against each other for a $200 million-plus expansion. The city may need to get more aggressive if it is to keep what it has and …