Objetivo
In the project the future impacts of biotechnology on agriculture, food production and food processing will be analyzed in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece and Spain. The main target of this study is to analyze and forecast the scientific and technological development as well as the development of the framework conditions of biotechnology (e.g. socio-economic questions, legal aspects, acceptance of biotechnology, ecological impacts) in the agro-food sector. This includes the elaboration of common features and differences between the five countries as well as an in-depth analysis of key issues (e.g. technological development, future acceptance of biotechnology, promising market segments, areas with restrictions) on European level. In order to achieve these targets a Delphi-survey will be carried out in the five countries involved, in which several groups of experts with different views (e.g. industry companies, research institutes, farmers, consumers, biotechnology opposition) will be considered. The Delphi approach is one of the most reliable instruments of technology forecasting that can be used to forecast the framework conditions of biotechnology as well. The Delphi survey is based on numerous expert estimates that are checked by several feedback loops during the survey thereby providing a consensus mechanism The project has a great relevance to European politics, European agriculture and food industry as well as to the consumers within the EU. The European Commission has a direct competence to set the legal framework in the area of safety, regulation, release and marketing of food or agricultural products that are produced with the help of biotechnology. The project will provide prospective information that will help to adjust relevant guidelines in this field as well as the targets and organisation of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fishery Policy. The European agro-food industry will get early stage information about the development of its framework conditions. These information are required to ensure the future competitiveness of European agriculture and food industry. This relates in a special way to the great number of small and medium size enterprises that are active in these fields. Because of the involvement of all relevant groups in the survey well balanced and reliable information about the future development of biotechnology are provided that are one major prerequisite for improving the acceptance of biotechnology in the agro-food sector.
Ámbito científico
Convocatoria de propuestas
Data not availableRégimen de financiación
STU - Study contracts, assessment contractsCoordinador
76139 Karlsruhe
Alemania