EFIB 2009 brought together 250 policy makers, representatives from NGOs, industry associations and initiatives, industrial biotechnology companies, materials and equipment suppliers, end users, consultants, researchers, investors, academia and media from 28 countries to discuss the crucial issues the IB sector is facing nowadays.
Many valuable ideas and recommendations came out of 45 presentations followed by discussions and 7 panel debates that EFIB 2009 provided. The recently published report gives a detailed overview of key messages generated from this meeting.
Key recommendations that came out of the session dedicated to new innovative biobased products include use of biobased labels and certification, green public procurement programmes implementation, creation of a protective environment at an earlier stage in the design process, stress on cost-competitiveness, reliability and sustainability, and focus of research on converting waste cellulose into useful products and on the promising area of marine bioresources.
With regards to feedstock supply, it is recommended that the European Union sets out a long term vision for its agriculture and indentifies goals for the next 15 years for its agricultural production. The report explains why the innovation plays a key role, how to improve feedstock availability, the importance of forest biomass and the sustainability of the biomass production.
The Lead Market Initiative for Bio-based Products is named as the most significant promotional programme for the Europe’s IB industry. The report describes successful examples of the national programmes, including UK, North Rhine Westfalia, China, Australia and Canada.
Key messages generated for the Innovation programme track of the conference include suggestions on how to improve work of industry clusters and how to increase their impact, advices on how to integrate biotechnology and chemistry in the most effective way and on best commercialisation processes.
The full report can be downloaded from the EFIB official website www.efibforum.com (Download the brochure button on the right hand side)
The next edition of this prominent event is set for 19 – 21 October 2010 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. It will follow its well-established model from previous years and will commence with 2 pre-conference workshops, followed by a 2 day conference comprising 2 plenary sessions and 3 parallel tracks focusing on Feedstock, Policy, Business and Financing, and Innovation.
Over 50 comprehensive presentations will be complemented by many panel debates, various networking events and an exhibition featuring over 30 companies.
More information can be found on www.efibforum.com.
