Hearing and consultation held on the Future Strategy

On 16 November, BIO Deutschland’s managing director, Viola Bronsema, took part in a hearing on the Federal Research Ministry’s “Future Strategy for Research and Innovation”. BIO Deutschland had previously made submissions in a consultation on the Future Strategy. Bronsema stressed that from the biotech industry's point of view, it was positive that the strategy would include precise, measurable goals and voluntary commitments. In the areas of biotechnology, life sciences, bioeconomy, innovation promotion, business start-ups and related areas, she pointed out that 133 targets (with benchmarks to measure progress) had already been defined. Bronsema welcomed the fact that the draft strategy focuses not only on future value creation and sustainability achieved through social innovations, but also through key technologies, which BIO Deutschland sees as key parameters. In her statement she highlighted the issues of technology transfer and technological sovereignty, saying that in the biotech industry bright minds play a vital role in technology transfer. The association therefore shares the view that those “universities striving to transfer and spin-off technologies must be supported” and that the number of academic spin-offs must be increased. In connection with this, Bronsema affirmed that the concrete voluntary commitments must be expanded to include areas such as mobilising venture capital, establishing bio-based production, strengthening patent protection and promoting sustainable key technologies. She also emphasised the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation for achieving the milestones and goals.