Optimising European networks in biotechnology A report on socio-economic studies relating to the academic/industry interface 'Optinet: Optimising European networks in biotechnology' is now available from the European Commission. These studies were funded by the European Union's Fourth Framework Programme, in response to ... A report on socio-economic studies relating to the academic/industry interface 'Optinet: Optimising European networks in biotechnology' is now available from the European Commission. These studies were funded by the European Union's Fourth Framework Programme, in response to a perceived need for studies on the impact of biotechnological developments on people, society and markets. During the Biotechnology programme (1994-98), four calls for proposals opened up funding in a wide range of related subjects including risk analysis, education in biotechnology, public perception, industrial strategies, and employment aspects. This study looked at three layers of technology transfer: - Formal networks, consisting of the partners that participate within EU-funded research projects; - Informal networks, consisting of the industrial platforms through which firms or organisations are connected to the formal network; - Outsiders, firms that do not participate in either formal or informal networks. The researchers studying these sectors were able to make a number of recommendations from their results, aimed at improving the interaction between the industrial platforms and the EU contractors, which could result in stronger technology transfer: Examples of some of the researchers' recommendations include the following: '- All platforms should be stimulated to organise platform meetings that coincide with project meetings to include as many EU contractors as possible; - Differences in research strategy should be discussed at meetings between EU contractors and industrial platform members in order to clarify goals, perceptions and expectations; - The industrial platform has to be involved in preparing the research proposals of projects that will be linked to the platform.' This report is part of a series published by the Commission to increase the availability of the results of such work to specialists as well as to the public. Other recently published studies include 'Looking at the biotechnology consumer', by Professor V. Moses, and 'Consumer acceptability of biotechnology in relation to food products with special reference to farmed fish', by Professor C. Ritson, as well as the Eurobarometer survey. All these publications are now available upon request from the address below.
