biotecnología marina, proyectos de la union europea, proyectos marinos

1. Journal of Biotechnology 156 (2011) 382–391
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Journal of Biotechnology
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jbiotec
European Union research and innovation perspectives on biotechnologyଝ
Danuta Cichocka, John Claxton, Ioannis Economidis, Jens Högel, Piero Venturi, Alfredo Aguilar∗
Unit Biotechnologies, Directorate Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology, Directorate General for Research and Innovation, European Commission, SDME 8/42, B-1049, Brussels, Belgium
a r t i c l e i n f o
Article history:
Received 1 March 2011
Received in revised form 21 June 2011
Accepted 24 June 2011
Available online 1 July 2011
Keywords:
Bioeconomy
Biotechnology
7th Framework Programme
European Commission
KBBE
a b s t r a c t
“Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Biotechnology” is one of 10 thematic areas in the Cooperation pro-
gramme of the European Union’s 7th Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development
and Demonstration Activities (FP7). With a budget of nearly D 2 billion for the period 2007–2013, its
objective is to foster the development of a European Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) by bringing
together science, industry and other stakeholders that produce, manage or otherwise exploit biologi-
cal resources. Biotechnology plays an important role in addressing social, environmental and economic
challenges and it is recognised as a key enabling technology in the transition to a green, low carbon
and resource-efficient economy. Biotechnologies for non-health applications have received a consider-
able attention in FP7 and to date 61 projects on industrial, marine, plant, environmental and emerging
biotechnologies have been supported with a contribution of D 262.8 million from the European Commis-
sion (EC). This article presents an outlook of the research, technological development and demonstration
activities in biotechnology currently supported in FP7 within the Cooperation programme, including a
brief overview of the policy context.
© 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction
The European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for
Research, Technological Development and Demonstration (FP7)
(European Union, 2006a), started in January 2007 and runs to
December 2013. With an overall budget of D 51 billion, FP7 is
divided into five Specific Programmes (European Union, 2006b):
“Cooperation” (supporting collaborative research and networking);
“Ideas” (which funds the European Research Council); “People”
(which supports the mobility of individuals through Marie Curie
actions); “Capacities” (which supports a range of actions, including
Abbreviations: AAFC, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; CAAS, Chinese Academy
of Agricultural Sciences; CSA, Coordination and Support Action; DG, Directorate
General; DOE, Department of Energy; EC, European Commission; ETP, European
Technology Platform; EU, European Union; FP, Framework Programme; FP77th,
Framework Programme; GMO, Genetically modified organism; ICPC, International
Cooperation Partner Countries; KBBE, Knowledge-Based Bio-economy; LSB, Life
Sciences and Biotechnology Strategy; NEST, New and Emerging Science and Tech-
nologies (2002–2006); NIH, National Institutes of Health; NMP, New Materials and
New Production Processes and Devices (thematic area under FP6); NSF, National
Science Foundation; SICA, Specific International Co-operation Actions; TC, Third
Countries; SME, Small and Medium Enterprises; USDA, United States Department
of Agriculture; WG, Working Group.
ଝ This publication expresses the views of the authors and should not be regarded as
a statement of the official position of the European Commission nor of its Directorate
General for Research and Innovation.
∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +32 2 296 14 81; fax: +32 2 299 18 60.
E-mail address: alfredo.aguilar-romanillos@ec.europa.eu (A. Aguilar).
international cooperation and support for European infrastruc-
tures) and “Euratom” (comprising research and technological
development, international cooperation, dissemination, exploita-
tion and training activities in the field of nuclear research).
The “Cooperation” programme is the largest of the Specific Pro-
grammes, with a budget of over D 32 billion for the seven years.
It is further divided into 10 themes (Fig. 1), which include “Food,
Agriculture and Fisheries and Biotechnology” (Theme 2), more
commonly referred to as the “Knowledge-Based Bio-economy”
(KBBE). With a total budget of just under D 2 billion, this theme cov-
ers agricultural production, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry, food
quality, safety and processing, and a wide range of non-medical
biotechnologies. Within this theme, the activity “Life sciences,
biotechnology and biochemistry for sustainable non-food prod-
ucts and processes” – further referred to as “Biotechnologies” – is
sub-divided to include:
• Novel sources of biomass and bioproducts: aimed at optimising
the characteristics and yield of terrestrial biomass for industrial
processes.
• Marine and fresh water biotechnology: aimed at sustainably
exploiting marine and freshwater-based biomass, either directly
or as a source of novel bioactive compounds for industrial use.
• Industrial biotechnology and biorefineries: originally two areas,
seen more and more to converge into a single coherent
framework. This examines the development and application of
biotechnology for industrial processes, for both, bulk and high-
0168-1656/$ – see front matter © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2011.06.032

2. D. Cichocka et al. / Journal of Biotechnology 156 (2011) 382–391 383
Fig. 1. Budget breakdown proposed for the Cooperation Specific Programme (FP7).
value speciality chemicals, typically integrating these across a
biorefinery production platform.
• Environmental biotechnology: covering bioremediation, micro-
bial diversity and metagenomics, development of biotechnology-
based eco-efficient processes and issues of genetic modification
related to environmental impact.
• Emerging trends in biotechnology: working on recent develop-
ments and trends, e.g. bioinformatics, systems biology, synthetic
biology and nanobiotechnologies.
Fig. 2 provides an overview of annual research budgets spent in
these 6 areas. In addition to the focus of the specific “Biotechnolo-
gies” activities, biotechnology is also addressed in other Themes, for
example in “Nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new
production technologies”, “Energy” and “Environment”. KBBE does
not cover medical biotechnologies as they are included within the
Health Theme.
Continuing a strong basis from previous Framework Pro-
grammes, the origins of the FP7 activities in biotechnology originate
in the Life Sciences and Biotechnology Strategy (LSB) from 2002
(European Commission, 2002) and a conference on the Knowl-
edge Based Bio-economy held in Brussels in 2005 (European
Commission, 2005). These served to underline the importance of
biotechnology within the development of a sustainable production
system based on the use of biological resources as a replacement
for fossil-based products. Research in FP7 has been at the forefront
Fig. 2. Budget breakdown for Activity 2.3 “Life sciences, biotechnology and bio-
chemistry for sustainable non-food products and processes” per call per area.
of the development of a sustainable bioeconomy in Europe. Cur-
rently, several Member States of the European Union, and other
countries, are developing strategic policies on the bioeconomy. In
addition, the European Commission is preparing a Communication
to the European Parliament and Council on the development of a
sustainable bioeconomy, due in late 2011. This will cover research
and innovation issues related to developing and implementing the
technologies for a successful bioeconomy, but will also go much
further in order to promote the establishment of a coherent policy
framework across Europe to ensure that we can take full advantage
of the potential of the sector.
This article presents an outlook of the research, technologi-
cal development and demonstration activities in “Biotechnologies”
currently supported in FP7, including a brief overview of the pol-
icy context in which these actions are implemented. In certain
cases and where appropriate previous Framework Programmes are
referred to. The area of environmental biotechnology is emphasised
as a result of its recent shift from a reactive approach (bioremedia-
tion) towards a more proactive one (development of eco-efficient
processes) and its importance for advances in other areas, e.g.
industrial biotechnology. A number of biotechnology projects have
been cited as examples throughout the article, however the selec-
tion is not intended to be exhaustive. More extensive and updated
information can be found on the CORDIS website (Cordis, 2011a)
and in the “FP7 – Cooperation – Theme 2: Interim Catalogue.
Biotechnologies Projects” (European Commission, 2010b).
The leverage of biotechnology for the bioeconomy in the Euro-
pean Union (Aguilar et al., 2009) and the international aspects of
research programmes, and in particular links with the USA, have
been recently addressed elsewhere (Aguilar et al., 2008). Therefore
only a brief summary of the most pressing issues is presented here.
2. Novel sources of biomass and bioproducts (green
biotechnology)
Our society is using fossil resources to produce fuels for trans-
portation, heating, and as a precursor for the vast quantity of
essential, petrochemical products. The use of fossil resources has
major limitations as both future availability and price of oil are
uncertain, while their use as fuels contributes to the production of
greenhouse gases. Reducing our dependence on fossil oil, by replac-
ing it with carbon sourced from biomass, offers the potential to
address these limitations.
It is known that metabolic pathways from plants are diverse
and have an inherent plasticity. Plants use sunlight as a source of
energy to capture carbon dioxide for the synthesis of basic cell
components. But they also synthesize a large variety of products
in secondary metabolism pathways used in their defence strate-

3. 384 D. Cichocka et al. / Journal of Biotechnology 156 (2011) 382–391
gies or for signalling. Industry already uses a large number of these
products as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food additives and other
products. Recently, plants are starting to be used as bioreactors to
produce novel proteins or bioproducts of industrial or pharmaceu-
tical interest.
The main advantages of plant-based production systems are
flexibility, scalability and cost- effectiveness and, in the case of
the plant-derived pharmaceuticals, the lack of shared pathogens
between plants and mammals, which in turn constitutes a
significant economic advantage. The goal of developing effi-
cient molecular engineering strategies to optimise the metabolic
responses and to increase yield of specific compounds (the ‘green
factory’ concept) requires a profound knowledge of the complex-
ity and diversity of metabolic pathways, cell biology (including
intracellular compartmentalisation and of the processes control-
ling gene regulation, protein accumulation and stability) and of flux
control. These considerations lay at the core of the sector “Novel
sources of biomass and bioproducts” within the “Biotechnologies”
activity. Biomass and bio-products obtained from terrestrial organ-
isms (mostly produced by photosynthetically active plants) are of
key importance for the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.
The first line of plant biotechnology research funded under FP7
aims to enhance metabolic pathways for novel bioproducts, and
thus to reduce dependence on non-renewable petroleum-based
chemical manufacturing and to provide economic and sustainable
alternatives to conventional production systems. The projects are
linked to the concepts of zero-waste production and biorefineries
and aim to utilise plants for mass-production applications impor-
tant to society at large, including the provision of inexpensive
pharmaceuticals and chemical precursors. Examples include the
project ICON (Industrial crops producing added value oils for novel
chemicals) aiming at the development of new plant-based indus-
trial lubricants; EU-PEARLS (EU-based production and exploitation
of alternative rubber and latex sources); SMARTCELL (Rational
design of plant systems for sustainable generation of value-added
industrial products) for anti-cancer compound production in vivo,
PLAPROVA (Plant production of vaccines), and METAPRO (The
development of tools and effective strategies for the optimisation
of useful secondary metabolite production in planta).
The second line of FP7-funded research in plant biotechnology
aims at the improvement of the efficiency of crop production for
biomaterials and biofuels. This includes aspects of resource-use
efficiency, yield and optimisation of biomass quality for decon-
struction, fermentation and gasification. The research addresses
bottlenecks such as material degradation, harvest seasonality and
handling/logistics of large volumes. International co-operation in
non-food crops with leading third countries forms a particularly
important added value in this sector. Examples include the project
RENEWALL (Improving plant cell walls for use as a renewable
industrial feedstock), ENERGYPOPLAR (Enhancing poplar traits for
energy applications), FORBIOPLAST (Forest resource sustainabil-
ity through bio-based-composite development), and 4F CROPS
(Future crops for food, feed, fibre and fuel). Other examples of
recent FP7-funded projects in this area include SWEETFUEL (Sweet
sorghum: an alternative energy crop); COMOFARM (Contained
molecular farming – controllable contained systems for high yield
and consistency) and the Coordination and Support Action (CSA):
CROPS2INDUSTRY (Non-food crops-to-industry schemes in EU27).
Current topics include plant photosynthetic efficiency (from a C3 to
a C4 system), perennial grasses (optimisation of biomass produc-
tion), and an EU–India Partnering Initiative on biomass production
and bio-waste conversion through biotechnological approaches.
Finally, research under this area also includes activities aiming at
prospecting the biological diversity for the production of commer-
cially valuable compounds. Among the source organisms studied
are European and non-native plant species, wild-type (including
feral) plants, but the scope of the source organism is also open to
include fungi and invertebrates. The research projects underway
are targeted at the generation of novel lead compounds for phar-
maceutical (e.g. antibacterial, antifungal) or non-pharmaceutical
(e.g. chemical monomers for bio-polymer biosynthesis) use. It is
expected that these initiatives will strengthen the competitiveness
of the EU by providing unique classes of new drugs and other com-
pounds. Two projects funded in this area in FP7 are TERPMED (Plant
terpenoids for human health: a chemical and genomic approach to
identify and produce bioactive compounds); and AGROCOS (From
biodiversity to chemodiversity: novel plant produced compounds
with agrochemical and cosmetic interest).
3. Marine and fresh water biotechnology (blue
biotechnology)
Blue biotechnology has a high potential for innovation that
should contribute to the building of a sustainable, eco-efficient
and competitive Europe. The economic and scientific potentials of
aquatic environments remain under explored and their resources
remain largely untapped by European industry. Marine biotech-
nology has also been recognised as pivotal to shape the “Oceans
for the future” and as a major element of recent calls for a
strong science-based marine policy, for example in connection with
the conservation and management of natural marine resources
(European Commission, 2008b; European Science Foundation,
2010).
The first line of marine and freshwater biotechnology research
funded under FP7 aims at the exploration and industrial exploita-
tion of marine biodiversity for bioactive compounds from marine
and freshwater organisms. Extreme or specific environmental con-
ditions (e.g. of temperature, pressure, salt content, acidity) and the
enormous biodiversity of these ecosystems offer multiple opportu-
nities for bio-prospecting, exploitation and use of microbes, plants
and animals and of their genes and metabolic pathways. This can
lead to the development of novel products for industrial appli-
cations (e.g. bio-processing, bio-materials, specialty chemicals,
pharmaceuticals, and aquaculture). Examples of projects include
the project MAMBA (Marine metagenomics for new biotech-
nological applications) aiming at the mining of enzymes and
metabolic pathways from extremophilic marine organisms and
of metagenomes from microbial communities; MAREX (Exploring
marine resources for bioactive compounds: from discovery to sus-
tainable production and industrial applications); MARINE FUNGI
(Natural products from marine fungi for the treatment of cancer);
SPECIAL (Sponge enzymes and cells for innovative applications)
aiming at the development of anticancer drugs and novel biomed-
ical/industrial applications of biosilica and collagen; and BAMMBO
(Sustainable production of biologically active molecules of marine
based origin) searching for solutions to overcome existing bottle-
necks associated with culturing marine organisms (e.g. bacteria,
fungi, sponges, microalgae, macroalgae and yeast) in order to pro-
duce high yields of value-added products for the pharmaceutical,
cosmetics and industrial sectors.
The second line of FP7-funded research in marine biotechnol-
ogy aims at optimising the potential of marine and freshwater
algae to use sunlight in the production of fuels and other industrial
products such as composites, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmet-
ics, enzymes and food additives. Examples include the project
SUNBIOPATH (Towards a better sunlight to biomass conversion
efficiency in microalgae) aiming at better sunlight to biomass
conversion efficiency based on microalgae species, and GIAVAP
(Genetic improvement of algae for value added products) aiming at
genetic modification to make microalgae better suited to industrial
application.

4. D. Cichocka et al. / Journal of Biotechnology 156 (2011) 382–391 385
The third line of marine and fresh water biotechnology research
intends to broaden the range of biosensors based on aquatic organ-
isms, or derived compounds, to respond to the growing demand
for accurate spot and on-line measurements. The detection of tox-
ins and pollutants in the environment, as well as the surveillance
of production processes, are some of many examples of poten-
tial biosensor applications. Projects funded under this line include
RADAR (Rationally designed aquatic receptors integrated in label-
free biosensor platforms for remote surveillance of toxins and
pollutants) and ␮AQUA (Microarrays for the detection of pathogens
and their toxins in freshwater).
Finally, several projects financed under FP7 address more
horizontal issues aimed at raising awareness and visibility of
marine biotechnology research. Examples include MG4U (Marine
genomics for users) aiming at specific dissemination research
results to potential users in marine genomics. The 2011 call for
proposals includes a topic within the OCEAN joint call on marine
microbial biodiversity–New insights into the functioning of marine
ecosystems and their biotechnological potential, also addressing
the need for interdisciplinary research in coordination with the
“Environment” Theme. A second topic within the 2011 call aims
at fostering better coordination between the EU Member States in
a marine biotechnology ERA-net preparatory action.
4. Industrial biotechnology and biorefineries (white
biotechnology)
Traditionally, industrial biotechnology and biorefineries are
together perceived as a branch of the chemical industry focused
primarily on the production of both, fine chemicals and high added
value products (antibiotics, amino acids, pharmaceuticals and bio-
logicals) and bulk chemicals (ethanol, biodiesel and other biofuels,
bioplastics, biolubricants, etc.) from biomass. The main technolo-
gies for producing these products derive from a combination of
microbial fermentation, downstream processing and biocataly-
sis. However, in recent years, biotechnology, and in particular,
industrial biotechnology and biorefineries, are considered as Key
Enabling Technologies and are emerging as the ‘engines’ of the
bioeconomy, in the sense that most of the applications, products
or processes from other branches of biotechnology need to pass
through some form of industrial biotechnology or biorefinery pro-
cess to generate the final products (European Commission, 2009).
This is particularly evident in the areas of novel sources of biomass
and blue biotechnology, where the terrestrial and marine derived
materials need to be bioprocessed. Industrial biotechnology will
enable industry to deliver novel bioproducts which cannot be pro-
duced by conventional methods. It will, moreover, make possible
the replacement of chemical processes by more resource-efficient
biotechnological methods, with reduced environmental impact.
Europe has a leading position in industrial biotechnology, in
particular in the fine chemicals and enzymes markets. Industrial
biotechnology represents for the European chemical industry and
chemistry-using sectors, a unique opportunity for innovation and
green growth in an increasingly competitive environment.
Research activities in FP7 are expected to bring about the dis-
covery and development of new enzymes with applications in
the medical, environmental, food and chemical sectors. They will
deliver enhanced microbial metabolic processes for the produc-
tion of chemical and pharmaceutical intermediate products. Other
important activities addressed are the development of new robust
microorganisms and enzymes and the development of optimised
bioprocesses. The areas of industrial biotechnology and biorefinery
go hand-in-hand with the use of bioprocesses for greener products
and are very much interrelated.
4.1. Industrial biotechnology
The use of enzymes offers a variety of benefits as compared
to conventional chemical processes. For example, it may substan-
tially reduce the energy requirements and lower the production of
toxic waste during the production of specialised, high value com-
pounds (e.g. stereo-specific chemicals), where traditional synthesis
involves many steps with toxic by-products. Thus, the first line
of industrial biotechnology research supported in FP7 intends to
expand the range of reactions catalysed by enzymes and improve
enzyme characteristics for industrial applications. The projects,
POLYMODE (Novel polysaccharide modifying enzymes to optimise
the potential of hydrocolloids for food and medical applications);
OXYGREEN (Effective redesign of oxidative enzymes for green
chemistry); NOVOSIDES (Novel biocatalysts for the production of
glycosides); and PEROXICATS (Novel and more robust fungal per-
oxidases as industrial biocatalysts) investigate different classes of
enzymes for various industrial applications. IRENE (In silico rational
engineering of novel enzymes) adds to this portfolio addressing a
challenge for the rational design of enzymes.
Another challenge on the path to the production of novel bio-
logical compounds on an industrial scale is metabolic pathway
engineering. Therefore, another research line aims to enhance
our knowledge of microbial metabolism, metabolic engineering
and production systems as well as to expand the application of
well-established knock-out and over-expression tools for the pro-
duction of compounds of industrial relevance. Two projects in this
area are being supported in FP7: LAPTOP: (Lantibiotic production:
technology, optimization and improved process) and BIONEXGEN
(Developing the next generation of biocatalysts for industrial chem-
ical synthesis).
The optimisation of multiphase and multistep bioreactors is the
third mainline, under which the project AMBIOCAS (Amine syn-
thesis through biocatalytic cascades) is supported. The fourth and
final research line, novel and robust production micro-organisms
for industrial processes, is aimed at promoting the use of novel
techniques (’-omics’, synthetic, system biology and mathemati-
cal modelling etc.) for practical industrial applications, such as
tailor-made organisms (’cell factories’) for the production of spe-
cific substances. The project SYSINBIO (Systems biology as a driver
for industrial biotechnology) – a Coordination and Support Action –
was funded to coordinate European activities in the field of model-
driven metabolic engineering, including the establishment of a
database and the coordination of education and training activities.
4.2. Biorefinery
This area addresses the development and application of indus-
trial biotechnologies for the conversion of renewable raw materials
into sustainable and cost-efficient fine and bulk bio-products
and/or bio-energy. For biofuels, the focus is on the develop-
ment of second generation biofuels with improved energy and
environmental balance and which avoid the potential food/fuel
conflict which has challenged European society. Biorefineries can
use a broad range of biomass feedstocks, ranging from ded-
icated agricultural, aquatic, forest biomass chains, through to
residues, by-products and wastes from biomass-based industrial
sectors. The main lines of research in biorefineries are: convert-
ing by-products of biomass-based industries into bioproducts;
second generation biofuels; pre-treatment of lignocelluloses; con-
verting biomass into chemical building blocks, and integrated
biorefinery concepts, including socioeconomic and environmen-
tal aspects. Some examples of FP7 projects are: NEMO (Novel
high-performance enzymes and micro-organisms for conversion
of lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol) and GLOBAL-BIO-PACT
(Global assessment of biomass and bioproduct impacts on socioe-

5. 386 D. Cichocka et al. / Journal of Biotechnology 156 (2011) 382–391
conomics and sustainability). The European Commission is also
funding three large research projects with contributions from sev-
eral of the FP7 Themes: SUPRABIO (Sustainable products from
economic processing of biomass in highly integrated biorefineries);
EUROBIOREF (European multilevel integrated biorefinery design
for sustainable biomass processing) and BIOCORE (Biocommodity
biorefinery).
5. Environmental biotechnology
The concept of the KBBE includes environmental sustainability
promoted through the development and application of mod-
ern biotechnology. Research and development activities generate
sustainable processes and products as well as mechanisms for
preventing or cleaning-up pollution. The sector comprises the
application of biotechnologies for the design, manufacture and use
of more environmentally benign products and processes as well as
for applications such as bio-sensors, bio-remediation, waste treat-
ment and recycling.
5.1. Bioremediation
Bioremediation has an enormous potential in the fight against
environmental pollution resulting from household and indus-
trial activities and is a key area of environmental biotechnology
research. Research in this field expands current knowledge on the
biodegradation of different classes of recalcitrant compounds (e.g.
poly-aromatics, chlorinated compounds, heavy metals, etc.). Partic-
ular emphasis is made on understanding intrinsic bio-degradation
processes, involving specific genes and biochemical pathways as
well as on the exploitation of the naturally occurring biocatalytic
potential of organisms for cleaning-up contaminated groundwater,
soil and wastewater.
Efforts to promote research in bioremediation began in ear-
lier Framework Programmes. In FP5 (1998–2002), the “Cell
Factory” Key Action with its priority area “Improving environ-
mental sustainability” enabled the funding of several projects
addressing a wide range of environmental concerns and scien-
tific questions in this field (Aguilar, 1999; Benediktsson, 2002).
METALLOPHYTES (An integrated approach towards removal by
plants of toxic metals from polluted soils); ORGANOMERCU-
RIALS (Novel remediation technology for vaccine production
effluents containing organomercurials); and BIOSTIMUL (Use
of bioavailablility-promoting organisms to decontaminate PAH-
polluted soils: preparation towards large scale field exploitation)
serve as examples. ANAEROBIO-D2 (Diversity of subsoil anaerobic
microorganisms and their potential for aromatic hydrocar-
bons degradation) or BIOMERCURY (Worldwide remediation
of mercury hazards through biotechnology) date back to FP6
(2002–2006).
Collaborative projects funded under FP7 include the projects
BACSIN (Bacterial abiotic cellular stress and survival improvement
network); MAGICPAH (Molecular approaches and metagenomic
investigations for optimizing clean-up of PAH-contaminated site);
MINOTAURUS (Microorganism and enzyme immobilization: novel
techniques and approaches for upgraded remediation of under-
ground wastewater and soil); BIOTREAT (Biotreatment of drinking
water resources polluted by pesticides, pharmaceuticals and other
micropollutants); GREENLAND (Gentle remediation of trace ele-
ment contaminated land) and ULIXES (Unravelling and exploiting
Mediterranean sea microbial diversity and ecology for xenobi-
otics’ and pollutants’ clean up). One of the main challenges
for researchers in the field of bioremediation was the trans-
fer of know-how from the laboratory to its application in the
field.
5.2. Microbial diversity and metagenomics
Metagenomics is a relatively new field in which the power of
genomic analysis (the analysis of all the genetic material of an
organism) is applied to entire communities of microorganisms
(bacteria, fungi, yeasts) bypassing the need to isolate or culture
them. This powerful technique enables mining of enormously rich
genetic resources and, thus, not only increases our knowledge on
the functioning of microbial communities but also substantially
stimulates progress in biotechnology. Metagenomics has changed
the pace in which new genes, pathways and enzymes are being
discovered and its tremendous impact may be observed in the
development of new bio-based products (commodities, chemicals,
pharmaceuticals) and processes (bioremediation, bio-synthesis,
etc.).
One of the first European consortia working on metagenomics
was the FP6-funded project METAFUNCTIONS (Environment and
meta-genomics – a bioinformatic system to detect and assign
functions to habitat specific gene patterns). In FP7, metagenomics
is approached more thoroughly and forms an important line
in environmental biotechnology. Thus far, two specific calls on
metagenomics were published, in which the projects METAEX-
PLORE (Metagenomics for bioexploration – tools and application)
and HOTZYME (Systematic screening for novel hydrolases from
hot environments) have been funded. In recent years, progress
in metagenomics techniques has allowed the scientific commu-
nity to focus on and apply metagenomics as a tool for developing
new products and processes in the areas of marine and industrial
biotechnology.
The progress in metagenomics is being accompanied with the
development of bioinformatics as the huge amount of data gen-
erated by novel sequencing techniques (e.g. shotgun sequencing,
pyrosequencing etc.) require powerful tools for analysis. The future
trend should be the integration of these two disciplines and the
development of informatics systems that correspond directly to
the needs of different biotechnology domains (bioremediation, eco-
efficient processes, synthetic biology etc.).
5.3. Development of biotechnology-based eco-efficient processes
Exploiting and integrating advances in modern biotechnologies
allow more efficient and safer production processes, in particular
through the substitution of harmful substances. Research in this
domain focuses on the design, manufacture and use of environmen-
tally benign chemical products and processes that reduce pressure
on our natural resources, improve the quality of the life of European
citizens, and stimulate economic growth.
Projects such as EPOX (Engineering integrated biocatalysts for
the production of chiral epoxides and other pharmaceutical inter-
mediates) date back to FP5. In FP6 this research line was continued
with projects such as BIOMINE (Biotechnology for metal bearing
materials in Europe) and SOPHIED (Novel sustainable bioprocess
for European color industries). One project, ANIMPOL (Biotechno-
logical conversion of carbon containing wastes for eco-efficient
production of high added value products) has been supported in
FP7.
Biotechnology also offers a unique opportunity to valorise the
continuously increasing amount of biowastes originating from agri-
cultural, industrial and municipal residues, and helps convert them
into valuable products with different applications. Thus, in FP7,
the Biotechnology activity has continuously supported research
aimed at turning organic litter and by-products into bioresources.
For example, PROSPARE (Progress in saving proteins and recov-
ering energy) addresses novel methods for processing animal
by-products for producing substances with valuable functional
properties. FORESTSPECS (Wood bark and peat based bioactive

6. D. Cichocka et al. / Journal of Biotechnology 156 (2011) 382–391 387
compounds, speciality chemicals, and remediation materials: from
innovations to applications) focuses on the manufacture of value-
added chemicals and materials using by-products from the forestry
industry.
As a result of scale of the problem and its relevance not
only to the industrialised countries but also to the developing
world, biowaste remains a focus for the latest FP7-KBBE calls.
A topic addressing the development of novel biotechnological
approaches for transforming industrial and/or municipal biowaste
into bioproducts, where a substantial participation of International
Cooperation Partner Countries partners is requested, has been pub-
lished in 2011. In the same call, an EU-India partnership initiative
on biomass production and bio-waste conversion through biotech-
nological approaches has also been launched. Finally, in 2012, the
Commission intends to propose a topic on biowaste conversion
in developing countries, with particular relevance to African and
Mediterranean Partner Countries.
For many years, combating environmental pollution through
bioremediation was the main focus of environmental biotechnol-
ogy. Advances in metagenomics and bioinformatics changed this
perspective as the link between studies on microbial communities
and the development of new bio-based products (commodi-
ties, chemicals, pharmaceuticals) and processes (bioremediation,
bio-synthesis etc.) became apparent. The achievements of envi-
ronmental biotechnology began to serve not only the environment
but also industry. Thus, much of the future potential of the field is
probably through interactions and synergy with industrial biotech-
nology/biorefineries, devising and developing technologies aimed
at preventing pollution and improving resource efficiencies. The
ultimate goal is to “green the chemical industry” by the grad-
ual replacement of raw materials coming from fossil fuels with
renewable bio-based materials, and by replacing conventional
chemical processes by biotechnological ones. To this end, the
alliance between industrial biotechnology/biorefineries and envi-
ronmental biotechnology will help develop a lead market on new
bio-based products (European Commission, 2007) and at the same
time constitute a measurable contribution to reducing energy con-
sumption and greenhouse gas emissions (World Wildlife Fund,
2009).
5.4. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Since its inception in 1982 in the First Programme in Biotech-
nology, the Biomolecular Engineering programme, the European
Commission has invested more than D 300 million in research
projects examining the biosafety, environmental and health effects
of genetically modified organisms (GMO).
A first overview of the results achieved was published in 2001
in a book “EC Sponsored Research on Safety of Genetically Modified
Organisms” (Kessler and Economidis, 2001). This publication fea-
tured 81 projects, involving over 400 laboratories, and the results
covered a range of subjects: horizontal gene transfer, environ-
mental impacts of transgenic plants, plant-microbe interactions,
transgenic fish, recombinant vaccines, food safety, and other issues.
A decade later, the European Commission published “A decade
of EU-funded GMO research” (European Commission, 2010a),
presenting the outcomes and conclusions of research projects sup-
ported in the period 2001–2010. The 50 research projects presented
in the book, accounting for some D 200 million of European Union
support, are grouped into the four principal areas: environmental
impact of GMOs (21 projects); GMO and food safety (10 projects);
use of GMOs for biomaterials and biofuels; emerging technologies
(9 projects); and risk assessment and management; support and
communication (10 projects).
It is evident from this grouping that many of the research
projects have been launched to address not only the scientific
unknowns but, also to provide the scientific and factual evidence to
address public concerns about the potential environmental impact
of GMOs, the safety of GM foods, the co-existence of GM and non-
GM crops, and risk assessment strategies in Europe. The results and
conclusions of these projects increase our cumulated knowledge,
enabling the European Commission and policymakers in general
to contribute to the international debate, and to provide scien-
tific support to regulatory frameworks and initiatives. Besides the
individual project reports, each project has produced numerous
peer-reviewed scientific publications, underpinning the quality of
the research undertaken and providing scientific evidence for car-
rying out risk assessment and risk management.
Some of the research projects, primarily aiming at identify-
ing environmental effects of GMOs, revealed that experiments
with various BT-toxins did not show major adverse effects on
the overall arthropod (non-target organisms) biodiversity (BT-
BIONOTA: Effects and mechanisms of Bt transgenes on biodiversity
of non-target insects: pollinators, herbivores and their natural
enemies). No significant impacts of GM-potatoes on indigenous
soil microbiota were found (POTATOCONTROL: Impact of three
selected biotechnological strategies for potato pathogen control on
the indigenous soil microbiota), while another project (ECOGEN:
Soil ecological and economic evaluation of genetically modified
crops) concluded on the basis of their experiments that changes
in soil microbiota where due to changes in farming practices
rather than effects of BT-toxins from GM plants. The possibility of
gene transfer between GM plants and soil bacteria or viruses was
found to be unlikely (BIOT-CT91-0282: Analysis of gene transfer
between micro-organisms and plants), and the uptake of GM plant
transgenes by gut-dwelling eukaryotes of ruminants could not be
detected in experiments lasting for 2–3 years, (CIMES: Ciliates as
monitors for environmental safety of GMO).
In addition to examining the environmental impact of GMOs
as such, key aspects of crop improvement have also been tar-
geted, such as developing plants with resistance to fungi or plant
parasitic nematode pathogens, constituting major sources of har-
vest losses and/or reduced product quality of agricultural crops in
Europe. These projects, EURICE (European rice transgenes for crop
protection against fungal diseases) and NONEMA (Making plants
resistant to plant parasitic nematodes: no access–no feeding) were
not only successful in that they provided viable biotechnological
solutions for these problems, but also demonstrated alternatives
for reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture as a result
of the more specific and targeted response mechanisms developed
and the possibility for reducing pesticide application. The projects
SUSTAIN (Developing wheat with enhanced nitrogen use effi-
ciency towards a sustainable system of production) and ECOSAFE
(Biosafety research directed at more sustainable food production)
developed new insights and alternative approaches to the excessive
and environmentally damaging use of chemical fertilisers.
The environmental effects of GMOs continue to be one impor-
tant priority in FP7. However, given that GMOs so far have not
been proven to be more environmentally harmful than conven-
tional crops, future research needs to include the potential benefits
of GMOs as compared to baseline conditions (e.g. conventional agri-
culture and organic farming).
6. Emerging trends in biotechnology
Novel technologies and new trends in biotechnology will be
instrumental for the rational advancement of the bioeconomy. The
potential of metagenomics, bioinformatics, systems biology, vir-
tual cells, synthetic biology and nano-biotechnology is becoming
ever more apparent. These and related fields deserve appropriate
measures in terms of research and development so as to facili-

7. 388 D. Cichocka et al. / Journal of Biotechnology 156 (2011) 382–391
tate effective implementation into industrial and biotechnological
applications. Among the different emerging trends, synthetic biol-
ogy may have the most potential to influence, or even transform,
our economy and society.
6.1. Nano-biotechnologies
Nano-biotechnology is mainly based on the convergence
between nanotechnology products with the basic components
of biomolecules and living cells. The interface of both fields
has the potential to provide innovative scientific and technical
approaches to address existing or new applications. Principles,
tools, and processes of nanotechnology are applied to the life-
sciences in order to develop new products and processes, such
as nano-biosensors, membranes/filters, nano-proteomics, nano-
fluids, biomolecular interactions.
“Nanoscience and nanotechnology, new materials and new pro-
duction processes and devices” thematic area under FP6 (NMP)
prepared the ground for research on nano-biotechnologies. Projects
like NANO2LIFE (A network for bringing nanotechnologies to
life) facilitated networking to bring nanotechnologists closer to
biologists. Other relevant projects were FRONTIERS dealing with
nanotechnology research and facilities targeted at life science and
NABIS (Nanobiotechnology with self-organising structures).
In FP7 the KBBE programme undertook activities on
nano-biotechnology based biosensors (NANOBE: Nano- and
microtechnology-based analytical devices for online measure-
ments of bioprocesses) and other relevant activities co-funded and
implemented with the FP7 Theme “Nanosciences, nanotechnolo-
gies, materials and new production technologies”. Examples are
smart nano-biotechnology devices to study biomolecule dynamics
in real time (DINAMO: Development of diamond intracellular
nanoprobes for oncogen transformation dynamics monitoring in
living cells), Nano-biotechnology for functionalised membranes
(MEM-S: Bottom-up design and fabrication of industrial bio-
inorganic nano-porous membranes with novel functionalities
based on principles of protein self-assembly and biomineraliza-
tion), and nano-biotechnology for bio-interfaces for environmental
applications (BIOMONAR: Biosensor nanoarrays for environmental
monitoring).
6.2. Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics has been developed and used in the life science
and biotechnologies in multiple ways and for diverse applications.
The objective is to develop innovative approaches and tools to
transform available information into biotechnologically applica-
ble knowledge. Modern biotechnology research and applications
require an increased data handling capacity – typical examples
are the screening of environmental metagenomes and models in
systems biology.
In FP6 different European programmes invested in different
areas of bioinformatics. Examples are drawn from programmes
such as “Infrastructures” (BIOINFOGRID: Bioinformatics grid appli-
cation of life science), “Life Sciences, and Applied Genomics
and Biotechnology for Health” (EMBRACE: European model for
bioinformatics research and community education), and “Infor-
mation Society Technologies” (BIOSAPIENS: integrated genome
annotation). The latter is a “Network of Excellence” involv-
ing 25 institutions from 14 countries. In FP7 the Theme KBBE
currently finances a project on microbial genomics and bioinfor-
matics (MICROME: A knowledge-based bioinformatics framework
for microbial pathway genomics). However, more projects are
expected to be funded following the 2011 call for proposals
covering topics from the increasing bioinformatics capacity for
biotechnological applications to marine metagenomics.
6.3. Synthetic biology
This is a new and rapidly developing discipline that aims at
the (re-)design and construction of biological systems. The arti-
ficial reduction of the microbial genome will identify the minimal
genomic building blocks needed for life. A minimal cell will be a
considerably simpler living system, more amenable to integrated
experimental and theoretical approaches. Systems level under-
standing of a minimal cell will enable predictable engineering for
biotechnological exploitation. Using technologies to develop engi-
neered biological systems through the design and construction of
artificial micro-organisms for a given application has enormous
potential for biotechnological applications. Several of these can be
envisioned in the fields of protein design and production, metabolic
engineering, carbon fixation, biomass production, biocatalysis, bio-
fuels and bioremediation.
In FP6 the Community programme NEST (New and Emerging
Science and Technologies, 2002–2006) mobilised the European sci-
entific community and prepared the ground for several research
projects in the domain of synthetic biology. In FP7 the Theme KBBE
considered synthetic biology one of its emerging technologies for
future trends in the biotechnologies. In this spirit it started with
a coordination action investigating the possibility of applying syn-
thetic biology methods for attacking pollution (TARPOL: Targeting
environmental pollution with engineered microbial systems à la
carte). In addition the issue of minimal genomes in biotechnological
applications was approached by the project BASYNTECH (Bacterial
synthetic minimal genomes for biotechnology).
In 2011 several projects are expected to be financed on topics
varying from to the application of the technology in the notion of
‘cell factory’. All projects will take into consideration the recom-
mendations expressed by the Opinion of the European Group of
Ethics in Science and New Technologies to the European Commis-
sion (EGE) on the “Ethics of synthetic biology” (2009). In addition,
research studies on issues of governance, risks, ethics and other
aspects of legal and socioeconomic nature will be initiated in col-
laboration with the FP7 Theme on “Socio-economic sciences and
humanities”.
6.4. Systems biology
Rather than operate at the level of component parts, systems
biology aims to understand the operation of a system as a whole.
However, most of the techniques are still far from routine appli-
cation. Systems biology has attracted considerable attention in
different organisms and from different disciplines. The combina-
tion of systems biology and engineering offers interesting potential
for industrial applications. Virtual or in silico models could reduce
the need to carry out experiments. The successful application of
such methods could lead to decreased development costs and
reduced development times for new products and processes.
In FP6 most of the activities of systems biology were sup-
ported by the Theme of “Life Sciences for Health”, including the
projects: EUSYSBIO (The take-off of European systems biology);
STREPTOMICS (Systems biology strategies and metabolome engi-
neering for the enhanced production of recombinant proteins in
Streptomyces); YSBN (Yeast systems biology network) and DIA-
MONDS (Dedicated integration and modelling of novel data and
prior knowledge to enable systems biology). In FP7 under the KBBE
Theme approaches of systems biology can be found in projects such
as BACSIN (see 5. Environmental biotechnology) and MICROME
(see Section 6.2). However, major efforts and investments are

8. D. Cichocka et al. / Journal of Biotechnology 156 (2011) 382–391 389
still needed to fully incorporate systems biology into (non-health)
biotechnology.
7. International cooperation in biotechnologies
The strategy for international co-operation in the area of
biotechnologies addresses specific challenges that third countries
face or that have a global character on the basis of mutual interest
and benefit, taking into account EU policies and inter-governmental
dialogues, and considering the reflections of ad hoc international
platforms and working groups. The EC Communication “A Strate-
gic European Framework for International Science and Technology
Co-operation” (European Commission, 2008a) is the main reference
for international co-operation in FP7. It defines the core principles
and orientations for actions: to put the European Research Area
on the global map and contribute to global sustainable develop-
ment by enhanced international partnerships. These approaches
focus on a strong interaction with Member States’ research pro-
grammes. With the aim of increasing the scale of activities, the
strategy is promoting cooperation at programme level with the
strong involvement of researchers and the full coverage of research
areas in biotechnologies. A focus on clearly identified strategic
partners gives strength and reduces duplication of cooperation
activities.
Various tools for international co-operation have been pro-
moted in FP7, including the general opening of all activities and
topics to third country partners. There is also targeted opening
to encourage the participation of non associated third countries
and, finally, there are Specific International Co-operation Actions
(SICAs) which require the compulsory participation of some inter-
national cooperation partner countries, on the basis of shared
interest and mutual benefits. Other collaborative approaches
include the twinning of projects between FP7 and those from
third countries (such as Canada and Argentina), and a ‘part-
nering initiative’ consisting of co-ordination actions carried out
by the European Commission jointly with interested Member
States and individual major third country partners (such as
China and India) with the aim of systematically linking research
programmes.
Implementation of international scientific cooperation lies also
with a series of Science and Technology Bilateral Co-operation
Agreements that the EC has signed with 19 countries (Argentina,
Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, India, Japan, Jordan,
Korea, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Tunisia,
Ukraine and United States of America).
7.1. USA
The main tool to frame the Europe-USA cooperation is the EU-
US Taskforce on Biotechnology Research, set up in 1990 by the
European Commission and the White House Office of Science and
Technology. It acts as an effective forum for discussing, coordi-
nating and developing new ideas on the future of biotechnology
with the participation of the Directorate General for Research and
Innovation and US Federal funding agencies (NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA,
etc.). In the frame of the taskforce, several workshops and summer
schools have provided information, debate and analysis for estab-
lishing emerging scientific fields on biotechnologies including, for
example, animal and plant bioinformatics, standards in synthetic
biology, marine genomics and biotechnology for sustainable bioen-
ergy. Currently, the taskforce’s activities are mainly implemented
in five working groups: animal biotechnologies; biobased products
and bioenergy; marine genomics; environmental biotechnology;
obesity and synthetic biology.
7.2. Russia
The EU-Russia Working Group on Agro-Bio-Food with the Rus-
sian Federal Agency for Science and Innovations set up in 2005
provides an annual forum for the planning of activities in areas of
shared interest. In the frame of these activities, a coordinated call
has been successfully implemented with Russia in 2007. Two coor-
dinated projects have been funded in the area of the design and
production of industrial enzymes (DISCO: Targeted discovery of
novel cellulases and hemicellulases and their reaction mechanisms
for hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass) and in plant-produced
vaccines (PLAPROVA: Plant production of vaccines).
7.3. Canada
The EU-Canada Working Group on agro-bio-food with Agricul-
ture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) was established in 2007. Under
its umbrella joint activities are implemented such as workshops
and the twinning of projects. Since 2007 Canadian and Euro-
pean projects exchange information and data, organise short term
scientific visits, and organise events in the area of biomass, bioma-
terials and biorefineries. In 2010 this WG was extended to include
Australia, Canada and New Zealand in the frame of the ‘KBBE Forum’
where four main areas of common interest were identified: sus-
tainable agriculture, bio-products and bio-materials, fisheries, and
food. The first Canada–Europe–Australia–New Zealand Workshop
on biotechnologies for biorefinery and biobased materials was held
in Saskatoon (Canada) in October 2010.
7.4. India
A long standing focus on India aims to better coordinate research
efforts undertaken to address global challenges. A working group
has been established with the Department of Biotechnology of
India’s Ministry of Science and Technology aiming at identifying
possible synergies and to bring together European and Indian sci-
entists. In the frame of this cooperation the organisation of events
such as the Delhi conference on “India-EU and Member States
Partnership for a Strategic Roadmap in Research and Innovation”
(European Commission, 2010c) and common research activities as
the partnering initiatives on biomass and biowastes published in
the Work Programme 2011 (European Commission, 2010d) have
been supported.
7.5. China
Long-standing strategic activities with China have been devel-
oped since 2002. Recently, there has been a more strategic
approach, broadening the policy dialogue in the KBBE and explor-
ing options for cooperation in biotechnology, specifically with the
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). Examples of this
successful cooperation are common initiatives in the area of plant
breeding and biotechnology where partnering initiatives such as
the project OPTICHINA have been funded (European Commission,
2010d).
7.6. Argentina and MERCOSUR
Within MERCOSUR, and in particular with Argentina, EU and
local projects have been linked through twinning in the areas of
soils, plants and food research. This cooperation envisages devel-
oping summer schools, joint publications and the exchange of
scientists.
To date, 39 groups from third countries have participated
in FP7-funded biotechnology projects. Russia, US, Canada, Brazil
and South Africa have contributed the majority of these groups.

9. 390 D. Cichocka et al. / Journal of Biotechnology 156 (2011) 382–391
Table 1
Average number of partners and private sector participation in different types of projects funded in FP7-KBBE calls (2007–2010) under Activity 2.3 “Life sciences, biotechnology
and biochemistry for sustainable non-food products and processes”.a
EU contribution
(MD )
Number of projects
funded in FP7
Average number of
participants
SME participation in EC
contribution (%)
Industry/enterprise
participation in EC
contribution (%)
Total private sector
participation in EC
contribution (%)
Large collaborative
projects (CP-IP)
Up to 6 or 9 16 14 14.89 2.99 17.88
Small/medium size
collaborative
projects (CP-FP)
Up to 3 33 10 12.57 4.90 17.47
Specific International
Co-operation Actions
(SICA)
Up to 3 9 8 10.69 8.63 19.32
Coordination and
support actions (CSA)
Up to 1 3 8 19.65 2.91 22.56
Total 262.84 61 12 13.77 4.22 17.99
a
The data is not final as some of the contracts have not been concluded yet and there are constant changes in the project consortia due to addition and withdrawal of the
partners.
More than 50% of the third country partners are involved in
projects in the area “Novel sources of biomass and bioprod-
ucts”. Overall, of 730 partners involved in FP7 biotechnology
projects, 7% are from Associated Countries, 3% from industrial-
ized Countries and 11% from International Cooperation Partner
Countries.
8. Summary and outlook
To date, FP7 has supported over 730 partners in 61 projects, with
a total budgetary commitment of over D 260 million in the fields of
biotechnology for non-medical applications.
While most partners in the projects are public research organi-
sations and universities, private sector partners account for 25% of
all beneficiaries (over 180 partners, Fig. 3).
Overall, there is strong interest from industry (large companies
and SME) in the “Biotechnologies” activities in FP7 and, con-
comitantly, significant financial support to private organisations,
reflecting the innovative potential of the biotechnology sector.
Interestingly, while it is often assumed that the important SME
sector finds smaller research projects easier to participate in, it
appears that larger cooperation projects contribute slightly more
to SME partners than do small cooperation projects (14.9% of total
funding compared for larger projects compared to 12.6% for smaller
ones Table 1). Efforts are underway to increase SME participation
in projects, and this increase is reflected in the latest call for which
figures are available (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3. Participation of 61 projects funded in five FP7-KBBE calls (2007–2010) under
Activity 2.3 “Life sciences, biotechnology and biochemistry for sustainable non-food
products and processes”. (The data is not final as some of the contracts have not been
concluded yet and there are constant changes in the project consortia due to addition
and withdrawal of the partners.)
One reason for the relevance of this research sector to industry is
undoubtedly the importance of the European Technology Platforms
(ETP), set up initially under the previous Framework Programme,
FP6, with the aim of developing a common vision, and achieving
that vision by means of a strategic research agenda, in a number
of fields (Cordis, 2011b). Several are of direct relevance to biotech-
nologies including, among others, the Sustainable Chemistry ETP
(SusChem, 2011) and the Plants for the Future ETP (2011). The
strategic research agendas of these platforms are one input into
the development of the annual work-programmes, reflecting their
importance to European research.
In addition, the field is supported by a range of European
Research Area networks (ERA-nets), which bring together differ-
ent funding programmes across Europe, and in some cases beyond
Europe, with a view to developing common funding programmes
between Member States. ERA-nets support research in a number
of biotechnology fields, including systems biology, bioenergy and
industrial biotechnology, and are expected to be developed for syn-
thetic and marine biotechnology too.
In the final three FP7-KBBE calls (2011–2013) even more empha-
sise is being given to bringing together research and innovation
to address major challenges. The work programmes have been
designed to support the implementation of the Innovation Union
initiative (European Commission, 2010e). More topics aimed at
generating knowledge to deliver new and more innovative prod-
ucts, processes and services will be launched including pilot,
demonstration and validation activities. The focus on innovation
Fig. 4. Private sector (SME and industries/enterprises) participation (%) in the EC
contribution of the projects funded in five FP7-KBBE calls (2007-2010) under Activity
2.3 “Life sciences, biotechnology and biochemistry for sustainable non-food prod-
ucts and processes”. (The data is not final as some of the contracts have not been
concluded yet and there are constant changes in the project consortia due to addition
and withdrawal of the partners.)

10. D. Cichocka et al. / Journal of Biotechnology 156 (2011) 382–391 391
will be reflected in the description of the objectives and scope
of the specific topics, as well as in the expected impact of the
research. Applicants will be invited to identify and to fully address
exploitation issues, such as dissemination and enhanced use of the
knowledge generated.
Biotechnology within the European Framework Programmes
for research represents a set of active and developing technolo-
gies. A majority of European citizens, 53% in a 2010 Eurobarometer
survey, are optimistic about biotechnology despite reservations
about some of the aspects involved, such as genetic modifica-
tion for food (Gaskell et al., 2010). European research continues
to seek to exploit the potential of the biotechnologies for Euro-
pean society and to understand and address citizens’ concerns
where they occur. Biotechnology’s innovation potential is clear,
and research will be a core component of the planned Commis-
sion communication on the bioeconomy, where biotechnology has
much to offer to the sustainable use of our natural resources with
the ultimate objective of delivering smart, sustainable and inclusive
growth.
Acknowledgments
We thank Tomasz Calikowski, Garbi˜ne Guiu Etxeberría, María
Fernández Gutiérrez and Annoula Mavridou for fruitful discussions
and valuable contributions.
References
Aguilar, A., 1999. The key action cell factory, an initiative of the European Union. Int.
Microbiol. 2, 121–124.
Aguilar, A., Bochereau, L., Matthiessen, L., 2008. Biotechnology and sustainabil-
ity: the role of transatlantic cooperation in research and in innovation. Trends
Biotechnol. 26, 163–165.
Aguilar, A., Bochereau, L., Matthiessen, L., 2009. Biotechnology as the engine for the
knowledge-based bio-economy. Biotechnol. Genet. Eng. Rev. 26, 383–400.
Benediktsson, I. (Ed.), 2002. Cell factory: community funded projects. Volume 1 and
2. EUR 19991 and 20362. European Communities. http://ec.europa.eu/research/
quality-of-life/cell-factory/volume1/index en.html (accessed 08.02.11).
Cordis, 2011a. Website of the European Union Framework Programmes for R&D.
http://cordis.europa.eu/home en.html (accessed 08.02.11).
Cordis, 2011b. Website of the European Union Framework Programmes for R&D.
European Technology Platforms (ETPs). http://cordis.europa.eu/technology-
platforms/ (accessed 17.02.11).
European Commission, 2002. Life sciences and biotechnology: a strategy for Europe,
COM(2002)27. Communication from the Commission to the European Parlia-
ment, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of
the Regions. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Com-
munities. http://ec.europa.eu/biotechnology/pdf/com2002-27 en.pdf (accessed
17.02.11).
European Commission, 2005. Conference report: new perspectives on the
knowledge based bio-economy. Transforming life sciences knowl-
edge into new sustainable, eco-efficient and competitive products.
Brussels: European Commission. http://ec.europa.eu/research/ confer-
ences/2005/kbb/pdf/kbbe conferencereport.pdf (accessed 17.02.11).
European Commission, 2007. A lead market initiative for Europe. COM(2007)860
final. Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parlia-
ment, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the
Regions. Brussels: European Commission.
European Commission, 2008a. A strategic European Framework for International
Science and Technology Cooperation. COM(2008)588 final. Communication
from the Commission to the Councial and European Parliament. Brussels: Euro-
pean Commission.
European Commission, 2008b. A European strategy for marine and maritime
research. A coherent European Research Area framework in support of a sus-
tainable use of oceans and seas. COM(2008) 534 final. Communication from the
Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic
and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Brussels: European
Commission.
European Commission, 2009. Preparing for our future: developing a common
strategy for key enabling technologies in the EU. COM(2009)512 final. Com-
munication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the
European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
Brussels: European Commission.
European Commission, 2010a. A decade of EU-funded GMO research, EUR
24473. European Commission. http://ec.europa.eu/research/ biosoci-
ety/pdf/a decade of eu-funded gmo research.pdf (accessed 08.02.11).
European Commission, 2010b. FP7 – Cooperation – Theme 2:
Interim Catalogue. Biotechnologies Projects. European Commission.
ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/kbbe/docs/fiche-biotechnology-finale-
1 en.pdf (accessed 15.02.11).
European Commission, 2010c. India-EU and Member States partnership for a strate-
gic roadmap in research and innovation conference. Delhi, 11–12 November
2010. http://ec.europa.eu/ research/iscp/index.cfm?pg=india-eu-conference-
2010 (accessed 18.02.10).
European Commission, 2010d. Cooperation Work Programme 2011. Theme
2. Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology. Revised. C(2010)
9012 final. Brussels: European Commission. ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/
fp7/docs/wp/cooperation/kbbe/b wp 201001 en.pdf (accessed 18.02.11).
European Commission, 2010e. Europe 2020 flagship initiative innovation union.
COM(2010)546 final. Communication from the Commission to the European
Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the
Committee of the Regions. Brussels: European Commission.
The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies to the European
Commission (EGE), 2009. Ethics of synthetic biology. Opinion of the European
Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies to the European Commission
no. 25 of 17 November 2009. Luxembourg, Publications Office of the Euro-
pean Union. http://ec.europa.eu/european group ethics/docs/opinion25 en.pdf
(accessed 17.02.11).
European Science Foundation, 2010. Marine biotechnology: a new vision and
strategy for Europe. Marine Board-ESF Position Paper 15. European Sci-
ence Foundation. http://www.esf.org/research-areas/marine-sciences/marine-
board-publications.html (accessed 15.02.11).
European Union, 2006a. Decision n(1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and
of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Pro-
gramme of the European Community for Research, Technological Development
and Demonstration Activities (2007–2013). Official Journal of the European
Union, L412, 30.12.2006.
European Union, 2006b. Council Regulation (Euratom) no 1908/2006 of 19 Decem-
ber 2006 laying down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research
centres and universities in action under the Seventh Framework Programme of
the European Atomic Energy Community and for the dissemination of research
results (2007–2011). Official Journal of the European Union, L400, 30.12.2006.
Gaskell, G., Stares, S., Allansdottir, A., Allum, N., Castro, P., Esmer, Y., Fischler,
C., Jackson, J., Kronberger, N., Hampel, J., Mejlgaard, N., Quintanilha, A.,
Rammer, A., Revuelta, G., Stoneman, P., Torgersen, H., Wagner, W., 2010. Euro-
peans and Biotechnology in 2010. Winds of change? A report to the European
Commission’s Directorate-General for Research. EUR 24537. European Commis-
sion. http://ec.europa.eu/public opinion/archives/ebs/ebs 341 winds en.pdf
(accessed 17.02.11).
Kessler, C., Economidis, I. (Eds.), 2001. EC-sponsored research on safety
of genetically modified organisms, EUR 19884, European Communities.
http://ec.europa.eu/research/quality-of-life/gmo/ (accessed 17.02.11).
Plants for the Future ETP, 2011. Website of the European technology platform
plants for the future. http://www.epsoweb.eu/Catalog/TP/index.htm (accessed
17.02.11).
SusChem, 2011. Website of the European technology platform for sustainable chem-
istry. http://www.suschem.org/ (accessed 17.02.11).
World Wildlife Fund, 2009, Industrial biotechnology. More than green fuel
in a dirty economy? Exploring the transformational potential of industrial
biotechnology on the way to a green economy. http://biofuelsandclimate.
files.wordpress.com/2009/03/wwf-biotech.pdf (accessed 17.02.11).