EU Report details contribution of Biotech to Europe
The EU has published the first comprehensive evaluation of the contribution of modern biotechnology to major European Union policy goals in a report entitled 'Consequences, Opportunities and Challenges of Modern Biotechnology for Europe'. The report found that modern biotechnology accounts for up to 1.69% of the EU economy, comparable to other major sectors such as agriculture (1.79%) or chemicals (1.95%). Furthermore, biotechnology was found to boost the competitiveness of EU companies, while the high level of training needed to work with biotechnology applications is leading to the creation of 'better jobs'.
The report was compiled by a consortium of EU consulting organisations including CIRCA Group Europe, Ireland (www.circa.ie), Fraunhofer Institute (D - Project Leader), VTT (Finland), TNO (Nl), and Innogen (UK). It has already been used to inform the European Commission's mid-term review of the EU's Biotechnology Strategy and found that 'modern biotechnology products and processes are an integral part of the EU economy, particularly in manufacturing, including pharmaceuticals, agro-food and health care'.
On the environmental front, the report found that modern biotechnology often increases the efficiency of production processes, helping to cut the use of energy and resources. 'The energy savings offered by these applications and the potential to replace fossil fuels by renewable sources (bioethanol) address challenges such as global warming and security of energy supply and provide an opportunity to break the link between economic growth and pressure on the environment,' the report reads.
The report is the output of the 'Biotechnology for Europe Study (Bio4EU)' which was commissioned by the European Parliament and managed by the Institute of Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) (www.jrc.es) , an EU institute. Further details will be published in the future. The current synthesis report, is available online
Further information is available from:
Dr. Jim Ryan, Circa Group Europe,
Ph. 353.1. 6625895;
Direct Ph. 353 1 2806231.
www.circa.ie
e-mail: [email protected]
About CIRCA
CIRCA Group Europe is a consulting company specializing in all issues related to the management of Research and Development & Innovation. CIRCA supports Irish and international R&D organisations in the management of R&D & Innovation and in development of related policies, strategies and management systems. Since its foundation in 1991, CIRCA has provided services to every major Irish organisation involved in R&D performance or support, including state institutions, universities, companies and development agencies. CIRCA has also worked extensively overseas. Current projects involve clients in Lithuania, UK, Spain, Denmark and Malta, and with several parts of the EU Commission. CIRCA consultants combine a unique set of skills and experience of RTD funding systems, within a range of disciplines.