COLUMBIA, S.C. - Business, education and state leaders have formed a council to find ways to make South Carolina more competitive for jobs and investment.

On Friday, Gov. Mark Sanford, co-chairman of the council, said South Carolina has to be more aggressive in the marketplace. That involves private businesses working together and state government finding ways to foster their growth, he said.

"This isn't a political process, this is a survival process," Sanford told the group.

Partnerships with Clemson University, BMW Manufacturing and IBM in Greenville could lead to more research and development work on new cars here, officials said. For now, much of the state's automobile industry work is assembly.

"Collaborative structures are the only way we can stay competitive," said council member Carl Flesher, a vice president at BMW.

A consultant working with the council said the state's economic development efforts need more coordination. Groups around the state are stepping over each other in recruitment efforts and often lack focus.

"We can't keep doing the same old thing the same old way," said Kurt Dassel, a consultant with The Monitor Group.

Council co-chairman Ed Sellers, who is CEO and chairman of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, said people often expect changes overnight, but it will take the next decade to mark significant progress.

The council has 50 members representing small and large businesses from various industries, universities and state government.

House Speaker David Wilkins said he was so excited about the council that he appointed himself.

"I think any time you can get the business community and the government intertwined in a common goal and working together you're going to be successful," said Wilkins, R-Greenville. "I wanted to personally be involved."

Wilkins said the council will have a different role than the Commerce Department.

"This is bigger, this is broader," Wilkins said. "I see this as changing the whole philosophy of the business community and state government of working together."

Wilkins said he wants to learn about what large and small businesses need.

"Learn, and take that back to the House to see how we in government can help spur the economy, help businesses grow, help create a positive work environment," he said.

The council will be think tank to generate ideas and find ways implement them, he said. "You've got some great minds in here."