UK encouraged to focus on marine biotechnology
A new report on marine biotechnology in the UK has called for a more coordinated approach to maximise the benefits of this rapidly developing sector. The report, commissioned by the Foresight Marine Panel (FMP) Marine Biotechnology Group and funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), found that the sector, which uses marine organisms for the benefit of humanity, has already developed a wide range of applications, such as the extraction of anti-cancer and anti-viral compounds from marine organisms; the use of coral-derived materials as bone replacements and the development of bioluminescent sensors to detect environmental pollution and toxins. 'This report brings to the fore the exciting opportunities offered by harnessing our increasing knowledge of marine biotechnology,' said UK Science and Innovation Minister Lord Sainsbury. 'It points the way to how UK industry can develop innovative products and processes that will bring wider benefits to the UK. The DTI's five year programme sets out how we will champion science, innovation and technology in the UK. We need to invest in these areas if we are to compete successfully in the global knowledge economy,' he added. According to the report, 'the prospects of marine biotechnology development in the UK', marine biotechnology represents one of the most exciting emerging technology sectors, with a global market valued at 2.4 billion US dollars in 2002 (1.8 billion euro) and a predicted growth rate exceeding ten per cent per year. The sector is expected to contribute to nearly every industry sector, from healthcare to bioremediation and from cosmetics to nutraceuticals. 'The time to invest in underpinning the science, knowledge networks, and public understanding of this major biotechnology field has now arrived,' states the report, calling for a more coordinated approach between the research base, entrepreneurial enterprise and the large pharmaceutical, biochemical and food multinational companies. The report also encourages the use of UK Research Council funding and the new initiatives offered by the UK government to promote and encourage innovation. The Technology Strategy published in November 2004 provides 80 million GBP of funding (113.5 million euro) for research and development (R&D) of the latest innovative technologies. The strategy has already identified bio-based industrial products as one if its nine high priority technology areas. According to the report, the UK government should also look into the training of researchers; increasing public appreciation of innovation through effective promotion and marketing; sustainability; and the legal framework of marine biotechnology. 'This report by BioBridge Ltd confirms the huge potential for marine biotechnology in the UK, building on activities of world-class centres of excellence around the UK. There is now an opportunity to harness the work of academics, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises [SMEs], pharmaceutical and other sectors to develop novel molecules and materials found in the marine environment for a wide range of applications,' concluded Professor Graham, Chairman of the Marine Biotechnology Group of the Foresight Marine Panel.
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