Why will 2024 be a key year for biotechnology?
Due to Spain's scientific and technological potential, both in the public and private sectors, our country has the responsibility to give a new boost to the biotechnological sector and thus respond to the demands of Europe.
Europe's strategic autonomy has become one of the priorities for Brussels. In this regard, the European Commission closed 2023 highlighting a group of areas deemed as crucial, made up of deep technologies to achieve this goal, among which biotechnology stands. Additionally, the biotechnological sector has been emphasized by the Commission in its work agenda for 2024 due to its "high growth potential and labor productivity."
Given Spain's scientific and technological potential, both in the public and private sectors, our country has the responsibility to give a renewed boost to the biotechnological sector. In response to this need, from AseBio, we have launched the campaign "Vida a la biotecnología" (Life to Biotechnology) to call for a national effort, which boosts and renews Spain's commitment to the biotechnological sector. With political and social support, and an optimal incentivizing ecosystem, biotechnology can lead forefront areas and play a key role for the economy, social welfare, and the strategic autonomy of Spain and Europe.
In this context, we request the Government to create a High Commissioner for Deep Strategic Technologies as a lever to boost the legacy of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Start-ups Law, as a tool to position technology in our country and boost Europe's Strategic Autonomy, support the efforts of the European Commission, and maintain the momentum favored by the Next-Gen funds.
This is an instrument that responds to specific needs as outlined in these lines and serves to work strategically and collaboratively around concrete challenges. Additionally, it will enable the creation of a general governance framework around a specific issue and promote social and political awareness about it.
This is just the first step, and having the support of all is vital to unite voices and forces. Therefore, joining "Vida a la biotecnología" is essential for all of us to ensure that the biotechnological sector unleashes its full potential and thus respond to Brussels' demands.