Industrial biotechnology gets a turboboost

Biotechnology is the use of biological processes and living organisms in products and technologies, and industrial biotechnology (IB) applies it to industrial activities. The EU is moving forward in a dynamic way with the project BIO-TIC to identify and overcome barriers to widespread market uptake of IB to increase competitiveness.

Scientists are focusing on the five product groups with the greatest potential for Europe and delivering recommendations for overcoming innovation hurdles. The product groups were chosen based on criteria relating to breakthrough potential, socioeconomic benefits and environmental impact.

Four of the five product areas (bio-surfactants, biofuels for transport, bioplastics and chemical precursors to other products) exploit biomass. The fifth product group turns carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion such as that in exhaust gases at power plants into novel products.

An in-depth review of the technological barriers affecting the five sectors demonstrated a large overlap among research and development needs of the five businesses studied. The single most important hurdle was the lack of cost competitiveness of EU IB-derived products.

Both in comparison to similar products by other providers elsewhere in the world and to petroleum-derived products, EU IB-derived products are prohibitively more expensive. This is largely due to market conditions, feedstock supply/price issues and lower yields of IB products.

A preliminary roadmap or set of recommendations to overcome the hurdles was developed as was a framework of definitions, units and standards to facilitate data collection and discussions. In addition, researchers prepared a data collection toolbox to assess the socioeconomic and environmental impact of IB. Finally, a partnering platform available on the website helps link stakeholders, promote funding opportunities, set up meetings and conduct job searches.

BIO-TIC is fostering a positive environment for IB innovation in Europe. A better competitive position and faster development of new products will increase jobs for EU citizens and reduce the environmental impact of their work.