Brussels, 11/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 10 April, the European Commission adopted a communication on the mid-term review of the strategy on life sciences and biotechnology (2002-10). In this text, which can be consulted at: (http: //ec.europa.eu/enterprise/phabiocom/index_en.htm), the Commission proposes highlighting five interdependent priority action plans focusing on biotechnology:
- Promote research and market development for bio-based products and improve the uptake of new technologies including generation of knowledge under the 7th Research Framework Programme; establish public-private partnership to mobilise research funding; explore lead market initiatives for eco-efficient bio-based products; Foster competitiveness by facilitating knowledge transfer and innovation from the science base to industry, including development of best practices in licensing of genetic resources; improve links between research organisations and industry; facilitate the patenting system for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and consider incentives for young innovative companies; Encourage informed societal debates on the benefits and risk of life sciences and biotechnology; Ensure a sustainable contribution of modern biotechnology to agriculture and use the potential of plant science for energy and environment applications, in particular to replace chemical processes and fossil fuels (on agricultural aspects: see other article) and improve the implementation of the legislation and its impact on competitiveness. Unnecessary administrative burdens on research and industry should be identified and removed. Regulation should encourage, not hinder, innovation. Policy coordination should be improved, especially on cross-cutting issues and on newly emerging issues.
In a press release, the Commission points out that in the EU about 96,500 people are employed in the biotechnology sector. European companies tend to grow slowly and depend on external finance for their research and development. Sufficient amounts of risk capital are often difficult to raise and the European patent system makes it expensive to file and defend patents, especially for SMEs. The Commission also illustrates that research in life sciences and biotechnology research is accelerating worldwide and new competitors are emerging in countries such as China, Brazil, and India. (oj)
