Biotech industry leaders call for a consistent long-term policy

Inaugural European Forum of Industrial Biotechnology concludes in Brussels

22-Sep-2008 - Belgium

Over two hundred sixty delegates from twenty three countries from industry, research, policy making and investment fields attended the inaugural European Forum of Industrial biotechnology, held in Brussels from 15-17 September 2008. Organized jointly by EuropaBio and IntertechPira, the event featured 30 leading speakers who assessed the prospects for industrial biotechnology in Europe.

“The impact of industrial biotechnology in society is growing. To support this growth, there is still a need for consistent, long-term policies and a predictable regulatory environment. The Lead Market Initiative for biobased products as proposed by the European Commission is an excellent first step in the right direction. The initiative must now be translated into concrete and effective actions. ” said Ian Hudson, President – DuPont Europe, Middle East & Africa and Chair of EuropaBio's Industrial Biotech Council.

Participants noted that to develop a strong and sustainable biobased economy, several conditions need to be met. These conditions include strong political support, a predictable regulatory environment and a good communication strategy to raise public awareness. Participants also agreed on the importance of making advancements not only in industrial biotechnology but also in agricultural biotechnology. A sustainable biobased economy can only be developed as feedstock becomes widely available at a competitive price. Cooperation throughout the value chain – from renewable feedstock to final biobased products – is needed to speed up innovation and reduce time to market.

“Europe’s policy makers can do more to support the industrial biotech sector. Consistency at the policy making level is especially needed to make the advances from agricultural biotech available to the industrial biotech sector. Policy makers need to work with each other to create a seamless policy framework that industry can rely on when making business decisions that effect Europe’s workers, farmers and consumers” said Willy De Greef, EuropaBio Secretary General.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/87306/biotech-industry-leaders-call-for-a-consistent-long-term-policy.html