Biotech industry publishes new policy agenda for Europe
The European biotech industry has published a new Industrial biotechnology Policy Agenda for Europe. Over the last two years the industry has worked out a set of practical steps to realise the vision of a Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy (KBBE), where biotechnology's new, clean, energy-efficient processes and innovative bio-based products create a sustainable industrial base to ensure Europe's future prosperity. But, without active political encouragement and incentives, the full benefits will not be achieved, and other trading partners will reap the rewards.
Among the main policy elements set out by EuropaBio - the EU Association for Bioindustries, industry asks:
* To establish a coherent European Policy Agenda for Industrial Biotechnology and the KBBE,
* To stimulate and support innovation in plant science and industrial biotechnology,
* To promote production and use of bio-based products and processes,
* To create awareness amongst all stakeholders, and
* To improve investment in KBBE-related SMEs.
According to EuropaBio, Europe has two key strengths to build on: an excellent academic base in the biological sciences, some of the world's leading enzyme companies, the world's largest chemical industry - infrastructure and knowledge base, and a solid development and production of bio-specialities. But it also has a lower overall R&D spend than major competitors, and provides a less innovation-friendly environment. According to Jack Huttner, Chairman of EuropaBio's Industrial Biotech Council: "Europe must build on its undoubted strengths in the area of white biotechnology. But our problem is in translating the excellent science into commercial products. We must stimulate public-private partnerships to enable the development of flexible, research-oriented pilot plants to validate the concept of integrated and diversified bio-refineries."
Although Industrial Biotechnology has enormous potential, it still has a rather low profile not only among the public but also in the investment community. One important policy strand is therefore a programme of communication to create awareness and interest. Jack Huttner said of the policy document "Having done the hard preparatory work, we now have to go out and spread the messages about Industrial Biotechnology. At the same time, we need to make sure that we develop a coherent overall policy framework. If policy makers get it right, biotechnology can be the key which unlocks the door to a sustainable and competitive future for Europe. The objectives of the Lisbon agenda are still within reach."
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