Abstract
Introduction
Biotechnology is geared at enhancing our quality of life and responding to society's grand challenges such as an ageing and ever increasing population, healthcare choice and affordability, resource efficiency, food security, climate change, energy shortages and economic growth. Biotechnology can be found in the clothes we wear, the products we use to wash them sustainably, the food we eat and the sources it comes from, the medicines we use to keep us healthy and even the fuel we use to take us where we need to go.
Until now, biotechnology has also been a cornerstone of Europe's competitiveness in terms of research and innovation as well as in terms of industrial growth, number of jobs and new companies created in Member States.
Today however, we risk turning Europe into the world's biotech research hub and not reaping the benefits of the products and services provided by this key enabling technology.
• 22 million jobs in the European Union (EU) are enabled by the bioeconomy
• 3,593 biotech firms in the EU in 2011
• The EU bioeconomy enables revenues of nearly €2 trillion (USD2.8 trillion)
• 44% of EU employees are involved in research and development (R&D) functions
• The EU spent €6.3 billion (USD8.7 billion) on R&D in 2011
Industrial Biotechnology
• Spares 33 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to the energy use of 2.5 million homes per year
• Provides greener transport thanks to biofuels, rubber tires, and bioplastic parts
• Enables more effective detergents that allow for savings of up to 30% of the electricity used on laundry by washing at 30°C
• Delivers materials (including plastics) made from renewable resources instead of fossil fuels
This article includes excerpts from a report released by EuropaBio (
The information and views contained in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Industrial Biotechnology journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers, or their affiliates. Furthermore, none of the above organizations or companies, nor any persons acting on their behalf, is responsible for the use that might be made of the information contained in this publication.
Agricultural Biotechnology
• Impacts 18 million farmers globally on 175 million hectares
• Offers built-in protection for plants against insects
• Allows for use of less fuel and reduced carbon dioxide, equivalent to 7.8 million less cars on the road
• Reduces soil erosion
• Enables 6-30% less toxins in food
Call to Action
The operating environment for biotech companies in Europe is becoming less attractive than that in other geographic areas. In addition to high energy costs, Europe has less predictable and science-based regulatory frameworks than those of other geographies, lacks the funding and tailored market pull measures offered by other parts of the world and needs to ensure faster and more equitable access to biotech products and processes for patients, farmers and consumers.
With the right environment, Europe's biotech industry can continue to play a leading role in tackling major European problems in energy, environment, food security, health, international competitiveness, local job creation and security. It can be at the forefront and contribute to Europe's industrial renaissance.
The next five years will be critical for Europe – and they will also determine the success of Europe's biotech industry. We call on MEPs and Commissioners to actualise the following goals to ensure Europe and Member States can fully reap the benefits this technology has to offer.
Research and Development Phase
• EU-funded projects with clear objectives and translation to end products
• Coordination of Member States research programs to maximize impact
• Competitive patent system and data exclusivity to reward innovative European R&D
• Funding schemes to support biotech small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout their capital-intensive pathway to commercialization
• Support of translational research and proof of concept via Joint Undertakings (e.g., Biobased Industries JU & Innovative Medicines Initiative II)
Assessment and Approval Phase
• Innovation Principle adopted in EU decision making to avoid innovation being held up by unfounded concerns
• Respect for legislative timelines in the approval process for agricultural biotech products (GMOs)
• Action plan to eliminate the backlog of pending approvals of agbiotech products (GMOs) and deal with legal uncertainty
• Science-based assessment criteria with sufficient implementation time and no retroactivity
• Increased rapid risk communication by competent public authorities to counter unfounded concerns
Market Access Phase
• Fast and equitable citizen access to innovative biotech products & processes in all Member States
• Implementation of the European Commission's Bioeconomy strategy and its action plan
• Public procurement programs and supportive measures to stimulate the biobased economy
• Communication of the benefits of biotechnology and the bioeconomy with society including consumers, investors, industry, and policy makers via dedicated communication programs.