Background

As one of the technology areas which are considered essential for the strengthening of the European industry, the approach to biotechnology in Horizon 2020 has to be seen in the context of the European strategy for the key enabling technologies which was initiated in 2009 by the European Commission and has had a strong influence on the programming of Horizon 2020.

However, due to its multiple possible applications in areas of high relevance for society biotechnology also contributes to essential policy goals of the EU in the areas such as public health, ageing population, sustainable development, protection of the environment, etc. It has therefore also to be considered in the corresponding political context.

Different European initiatives set up strategic research agendas concerning this area, such as:

• Joint Technology Initiative "Bio-based Industries"
• European Association for Bioindustries (EuropaBio)
• European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Biobased Economy (EFIB)

Further relevant initiatives are also listed on our webpages on the policy-driven research areas of Horizon 2020, the Societal Challenges.

At the European Commission the Directorate-General Research and Innovation and the DG Enterprise and Industry are responsible for this theme.

If you have any questions concerning these stakeholders, networks and committees, please do not hesitate to contact us!