Today the European Commission is expected to set out a strategy for European life sciences and biotechnology. EuropaBio, the European association for bioindustries, welcomes this effort to acknowledge biotechnology as a major source of innovation for a very wide range of products and the important role it can play in building a knowledge-based economy.

The communication, "Life Sciences and Biotechnology – a Strategy for Europe", is particularly welcome at a time when Europe’s fledgling biotech industries are struggling to keep pace with their international rivals. "We have more companies than the US but we generate far fewer products," says Hugo Schepens, EuropaBio’s Secretary General.

Although a European biotech strategy is a good start, resources and energies at EU and national levels must be mobilized and coordinated to make the strategy a reality.

"Supportive measures must be coherent, synergistic and attractive; and the regulatory process must be science-based, consistent and workable in all areas," says Hugo Schepens. "This has been Europe’s weakness." EuropaBio calls on the Commission to ensure that the strategy is carried through, and on EU leaders to endorse the strategy at Barcelona in March. EU leaders themselves identified utilizing the full potential of biotechnology and strengthening the sector’s competitiveness as important in order for Europe to match leading competitors. They must now ensure that biotechnology plays a full role in reaching the Lisbon summit goal of making Europe the world’s most competitive economy by 2010.

Ethics is likely to play an important role in the Commission’s strategy to ensure that developments in life sciences and biotechnology are accompanied by a strong societal platform to encourage public debate and openness. "We are committed to generate understanding about our industry and to contribute to public debate and ethical platforms on all issues of concern to the public," says Schepens.

EuropaBio represents 40 corporate members operating worldwide and 17 national biotechnology associations (totalling some 1000 SMEs) involved in research and development, testing, manufacturing and distribution of biotechnology products. EuropaBio, the voice of European bioindustries, aims to be a promoting force for biotechnology and to present its proposals to industry, politicians, regulators, NGOs, and the public at large.