EFIB 2014: The European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology & The Biobased Economy

The importance of EFIB

The Commission has adopted an ambitious but achievable roadmap towards a bioeconomy. In parallel, frameworks and programmes such as Horizon 2020 and the CAP have been developed which could help translate the EU’s great potential in this area into real, tangible benefits for Europeans. The full support of the EU and national decision makers is now needed to integrate and implement these policies in order to make the bioeconomy an EU success story.

How is EFIB positioned to help?

​“EFIB is now renowned by a global audience as the annual EU meeting place for business and policy on Industrial Biotech and the biobased economy. This year’s event takes place at a vibrant and dynamic time for the industry. For example, we are in the midst of preparation of proposals for EU-wide Public Private Partnerships on Biobased Industries and on Resource Efficiency in the Processing Industry.” ​“The partnerships, developed under the European Commission’s new framework for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020, have the potential to help bridge the EU’s ​‘innovation valley of death’ between scientific excellence and commercial success through sustainable solutions. Set these developments in the context of an evolving future Common Agricultural Policy and a new EU Bioeconomy Strategy and it’s clear to see that there’s a great deal to discuss”, says Joanna Dupont-Inglis, Director for Industrial Biotech at EuropaBio. The Bioeconomy Strategy — Integrate the bioeconomy strategy into agricultural, environmental, energy, regional, climate and industrial policies. — Implement the Priority Recommendations from the Lead Market Initiative (LMI) for Bio-based products to help bridge the gap from research to EU commercialization of sustainable bio-based products. The LMI for Bio-based products Priority Recommendations address a range of measures including access to feedstock, research and development, access to markets, public procurement and communications aspects. — Communicate the benefits of the bioeconomy with farmers, consumers, investors, industry, and policy makers via dedicated communication programmes. The Common Agricultural Policy — Encourage the development of alternative cropping systems that optimise existing and underutilised land to contribute to the EU 2020 objectives: green, smart and inclusive growth. — Encourage and support farmers to diversify and supplement their incomes by investing in dedicated biomass crops for sustainable bio-based products and develop a dedicated programme to support collection, harvest, storage, and transportation of renewable raw materials, especially agricultural residues. — Support cooperation approaches between sectors and the development of pilot, demonstration and commercial scale biorefineries across the EU, to help ensure that biomass can be sustainably sourced and processed. Horizon 2020 — Support Horizon 2020 by endorsing research and innovation in industrial biotechnology, and the bioeconomy including through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and through safeguarding the budget allocated to both the Bioeconomy and to Industrial Biotechnology as a Key Enabling Technology. Don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of the European bioeconomy! For more information about the programme please visit: www​.efibforum​.com/​2​0​1​4​p​r​e​v​i​e​w​.aspx

About EuropaBio

EuropaBio is the voice of the European biotech industry. Membership includes a wide range of corporate members and industry associations involved in biotechnology throughout Europe. EuropaBio has 62 corporate and 7 associate members operating worldwide, 2 Bioregions and 19 national biotechnology associations representing some 1800 small and medium sized enterprises. EuropaBio’s primary focus is the European Union but because of the global character of the business, we also represent our members in transatlantic and worldwide discussions. We are actively engaged in increasing the understanding of biotechnological applications and their benefits at European level and contribute to the creation of a coherent and beneficial innovation climate for the bioindustry in Europe. Through its member associations, EuropaBio fosters a standing dialogue with stakeholders at national as well as European level. Source: EuropaBio