Biotech industry sets out new policy agenda for Europe
The European biotechnology industry has published a new Industrial Biotechnology Policy Agenda for Europe. The document sets out a range of concrete proposals which could see the industrial biotech sector form the basis of a future EU knowledge-based bio-economy (KBBE). The report was produced by EuropaBio, the European Association for Bioindustries, and endorsed by ESAB, the European Federation of Biotechnology section on Applied Biocatalysis. Industrial biotechnology, also known as white biotechnology, involves the use of enzymes, micro-organisms and plants to make products in a range of industrial sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and feed, paper and pulp, textiles, energy, materials and polymers. EuropaBio describes the KBBE as 'where biotechnology's new, clean, energy-efficient processes and innovative bio-based products create a sustainable industrial base to ensure Europe's future prosperity.' Europe has a strong academic base in the biological sciences, and includes some of the world's leading enzyme companies and the world's largest chemical industry. However, the report notes that more needs to be done if the industry is to achieve its potential. 'Europe must build on its undoubted strengths in the area of white biotechnology,' commented Jack Huttner, Chairman of EuropaBio's Industrial Biotech Council. '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.' According to the report, there is a great need to harmonise the various policy areas which involve biotechnology, such as research, climate change, sustainable development and the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. To ensure this happens, the report recommends the appointment of a Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) Coordinator by the European Commission to coordinate work in different Commission departments, and the creation of a KBBE Task Force to coordinate work in different EU Member States. The report's authors also ask for more support for innovation in the plant science and industrial biotechnology sector. 'This means in particular ensuring that the various relevant Strategic Research Agendas from the KBBE related Technology Platforms (particularly Sustainable Chemistry, Plants for the Future, Forestry and Biofuels) are properly planned, funded and implemented within the Framework 7 programme [EU Seventh Framework Programme] and at Member State Level,' they write. The document asks for the promotion of the production and use of bio-based products and processes, for example through public sector procurement standards or promotional labelling. In addition, the report notes that all the measures designed to boost the industry will be more effective if they are accompanied by a communications programme to raise awareness of the potential of industrial biotechnology. According to the report, much of the innovation in this growing sector is likely to come from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and two areas where they need particular help are in the field of intellectual property protection and financing. In his foreword to the publication, Finnish Trade and Industry Minister Mauri Pekkarinen welcomes the publication of the Policy Agenda, saying it offers 'very useful policy advice'. 'Although conditions differ within the EU, the policy measures proposed in the document are applicable in all the Member States,' he writes. 'With the common goal in mind and with joint policy efforts, the European knowledge-based bio-economy has every opportunity to emerge to a leading position.'