Biotechnology research in Member States
The European Commission, DG XII, has published a book of "national files" outlining both public and private biotechnology RTD activities in each of the EU's Member States, as well as in Norway and Iceland. The Community's research budget accounts for only some 4% of the 15 Member States' spending on research. Given that the majority of research spending is at national level, there is a need to increase the exchange of information on national activities. Exchanging information will ensure that the most efficient use is made of resources, avoid duplication of work and facilities, and encourage synergies and cooperation. In this way, the European biotechnology sector can ensure that it is best placed to compete at global level. The book is the result of individual contributions from the members of the Coordination Group of the Biotechnology Programme Committee. This group is composed of senior experts from the Member States, as well as from Norway and Iceland. The book provides, for each country: - A general presentation of biotechnology R&D; - A list of R&D programmes and activities focusing on, or of significance for, biotechnology research; - An overview of industrial biotechnology relevant R&D activities; - An overview of public biotechnology R&D relevant activities; - A selective list of important publications.