Biotech associations ask for more from Biotech Act II

Nearly 40 European industry organisations have joined forces to issue a joint position paper highlighting “the need for a dedicated and globally ambitious legislation to deliver biomanufacturing scale‑up and market deployment in Europe”, as part of the forthcoming EU Biotech Act II. They included EuropaBio, national associations in 12 European countries and regional association in specific fields, such as the Biobased Industries Consortia and CropLife.

“A Biotech Act II dedicated to biomanufacturing is the missing piece of the puzzle for the EU’s global competitiveness from this vital technology,” said Dr Claire Skentelbery, Director General of EuropaBio . It is essential that we empower all sectors with a thriving EU market, cutting edge capability and ensuring that it is the logical next investment for companies in our champion sectors.”

Europe, it was noted, remains the only major global region without a dedicated biomanufacturing initiative. Meanwhile, the US, India, China and others are prioritising it at the highest strategic level. EU Biotech Act Part I, which mainly targets health, and other actions have boosted innovation, “but a critical gap persists in translating innovation into industrial scale in all sectors”.