Abstract
Industrial biotechnology is key for the transforming of renewable carbon sources into chemicals. In addition it is a source of innovation, both in processes and in products. Therefore this technology is increasingly a crucial competitive factor in the chemical industry. The production of biotechnological precursors for chemical processing, in particular, will prove critical in the years to come. With the increasing use of agricultural carbon sources by the chemical and more industries, lignocellulosic feedstock also needs to be exploited. All together, the greening chemical industry will evolve into a new value chain, starting from agriculture and silviculture. This transformation is being supported and accelerated by cooperation of all relevant competencies in actively managed clusters.