AseBio welcomes the measures proposed by the European Commission to promote biotechnology and bio-manufacturing in the European Union
We consider it a priority to accelerate its implementation and broaden its scope of action to enhance and promote the development of biotechnology and bio-manufacturing, which are key to achieving strategic autonomy.
On March 20, the European Commission published a document with a series of specific actions aimed at boosting biotechnology and bio-manufacturing in the European Union. The document analyzes the main challenges facing biotechnology and bio-manufacturing in order to reach their full potential. These identified challenges are research and technology transfer to the market, the complexity of existing regulations, access to finance, personnel skills in specific areas of biotechnology, the need for more centers of excellence, barriers in the value chain, enhancing the protection of biotechnology innovation, public acceptance and economic security.
This initiative identifies biotechnology and bio-manufacturing as one of the most promising technological areas of this century and emphasizes the value of biotechnology as a key element in achieving the strategic autonomy of the European Union, and highlights the importance of its innovations in different areas such as biotechnology for health, human and animal food, for a more productive and sustainable agriculture, for the sustainable use of renewable resources or marine biotechnology applications, among others.
In the face of all the challenges identified, the document proposes:
Leverage research and drive innovation through a more integrated approach to the technology transfer process from the Member States.
Stimulate market demand by demonstrating the sustainability of bio-based products, and by providing a stable, predictable and balanced IP framework that protects and values biotech innovation and to which small companies have easy access.
Simplifying EU regulatory pathways to shorten the time for biotech innovations to reach the market. To this end, the Commission will launch a study that will lay the groundwork for a possible EU Biotechnology Act and promote the establishment of regulatory testing environments that allow novel solutions to be tested in a controlled environment. In addition, building on existing structures, the EC proposes to work on the establishment of an EU Biotechnology Center.UE.
Encourage public and private investments, for which the STEP (The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) portal will publish information related to funding opportunities and include information on proposals and tenders. It is also proposed to include specific challenges on biotechnology and bio-manufacturing in the EIC Work Program 2025. Moreover, to increase the low number of specialized investors in the EU, the EC will launch a study to identify barriers and ways to support the consolidation of investment funds, stock exchanges and post-trade infrastructures.
Strengthening biotech-related skills to grow and retain talent within the EU, through initiatives such as Pact for Skills, the STEP budget tool or the EU Talent Pool. The Commission also encourages clusters to advise universities on the design of curricula to suit the needs of biotechnology and bio-manufacturing companies.
Develop standards and encourage the development and updating of obsolete European standards.
Encourage collaboration and synergies. To this end, the European Commission will encourage the deployment of technologies related to biotechnology and bio-manufacturing processes, through the Regional Innovation Valleys.
Encourage international engagement and cooperation, exploring the possibility of launching international partnerships with key countries such as the United States, India, Japan and South Korea.
AseBio welcomes this initiative and considers it a priority to accelerate its implementation at the political and legislative level and to broaden its scope to promote the growth of investment. This will enhance the growth of biotechnology innovations and biotechnological solutions that will lead to the materialization of tangible benefits for society, the economy and the sustainability of the planet.
Precedents:
EuropaBio, of which AseBio is a member, led the proposal sent to the EC on this initiative.
See full initiative document.