European Union research and innovation perspectives on biotechnology

“Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Biotechnology” is one of 10 thematic areas in the Cooperation programme of the European Union's 7th Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7). With a budget of nearly €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 biological 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 considerable attention in FP7 and to date 61 projects on industrial, marine, plant, environmental and emerging biotechnologies have been supported with a contribution of €262.8 million from the European Commission (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.     

European Union research and innovation perspectives on biotechnology

"Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Biotechnology" is one of 10 thematic areas in the Cooperation programme of the European Union's 7th Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7). With a budget of nearly €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 biological 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 considerable attention in FP7 and to date 61 projects on industrial, marine, plant, environmental and emerging biotechnologies have been supported with a contribution of €262.8 million from the European Commission (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.     

Comparative development of knowledge-based bioeconomy in the European Union and Turkey

Abstract

Biotechnology, defined as the technological application that uses biological systems and living organisms, or their derivatives, to create or modify diverse products or processes, is widely used for healthcare, agricultural and environmental applications. The continuity in industrial applications of biotechnology enables the rise and development of the bioeconomy concept. Bioeconomy, including all applications of biotechnology, is defined as translation of knowledge received from life sciences into new, sustainable, environment friendly and competitive products. With the advanced research and eco-efficient processes in the scope of bioeconomy, more healthy and sustainable life is promised. Knowledge-based bioeconomy with its economic, social and environmental potential has already been brought to the research agendas of European Union (EU) countries. The aim of this study is to summarize the development of knowledge-based bioeconomy in EU countries and to evaluate Turkey’s current situation compared to them. EU-funded biotechnology research projects under FP6 and FP7 and nationally-funded biotechnology projects under The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Academic Research Funding Program Directorate (ARDEB) and Technology and Innovation Funding Programs Directorate (TEYDEB) were examined. In the context of this study, the main research areas and subfields which have been funded, the budget spent and the number of projects funded since 2003 both nationally and EU-wide and the gaps and overlapping topics were analyzed. In consideration of the results, detailed suggestions for Turkey have been proposed. The research results are expected to be used as a roadmap for coordinating the stakeholders of bioeconomy and integrating Turkish Research Areas into European Research Areas.     

Globalization of biotechnology: The agglomeration of dispersed knowledge and information and its implications for the political economy of technology in developing countries

This study examines a contradictory development in the era of globalization wherein country-specific economic and socio-political institutional environment limits the global flow of technological knowledge and information, particularly in the biotechnology sector. International collaborations for developing new biotechnologies has increased significantly in recent years, but these have virtually bypassed firms in developing countries. The international flow of technologies tends to agglomerate in developed economies particularly in the US, where an appropriate mix of economic choices, social regulation and state action fostered institutional environments that facilitated the development and commercialization of biotechnologies. Moreover, with the heightening competition in the global economy, state and firms of developed economies have evolved into a relationship of close partnership. This shows that, far from being irrelevant, the state remains a political entity that structures the innovation system in order to promote the well-being of its firms. This calls for a re-thinking of the role of the state in technological and economic development, particularly among the developing economies.     

Can S-LCA methodology support responsible sourcing of raw materials in EU policy context?

Purpose

Access, affordability and sustainability of raw material supply chains are crucial to the sustainable development of the European Union (EU) for both society and economy. The study investigates whether and how the social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) methodology can support responsible sourcing of raw materials in Europe. The potential of social indicators already available in an S-LCA database is tested for the development of new metrics to monitor social risks in raw material industries at EU policy level.

Methods

The Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) database was identified as a data and indicators source to assess social risks in raw material industries in EU-28 and extra-EU countries. Six raw material country sectors in the scope of the European policy on raw materials were identified and aggregated among those available in PSILCA. The selection of indicators for the assessment was based on the RACER (Relevance, Acceptance, Credibility, Ease, Robustness) analysis, leading to the proposal of 9 social impact categories. An S-LCA of the selected raw material industries was, thus, performed for the EU-28 region, followed by a contribution analysis to detect direct and indirect impacts and investigate related supply chains. Finally, the social performance of raw material sectors in EU-28 was compared with that of six extra-EU countries.

Results and discussion

Considering the overall social risks in raw material industries, “Corruption”, “Fair salary”, “Health and safety” and “Freedom of association and collective bargaining” emerged as the most significant categories both in EU and extra-EU. EU-28 shows an above-average performance where the only exception is represented by the mining and quarrying sector. An investigation of the most contributing processes to social impact categories for EU-28 led to the identification of important risks originating in the supply chain and in extra-EU areas. Therefore, the S-LCA methodology confirmed the potential of a life cycle perspective to detect burdens shifting and trade-offs. However, only a limited view on the sectoral social performance could be obtained from the research due to a lack of social data.

Conclusions

The S-LCA methodology and indicators appear appropriate to perform an initial social sustainability screening, thus enabling the identification of hotspots in raw material supply chains and the prioritization of areas of action in EU policies. Further methodological developments in the S-LCA field are necessary to make the approach proposed in the paper fully adequate to support EU policies on raw materials.

     

Economic issues for the UK biotechnology sector

This paper examines the economic prospects for the biotechnology industry, focusing on the UK position. I discuss some economic issues relating to the structure of the biotechnology industry and examine whether these factors can account for the relative success of the biotechnology sector in the UK compared to other European countries. I emphasize the importance of the science base, pharmaceutical companies and capital markets in giving the UK an advantage. Looking ahead I argue that prospects are good for the global growth of the industry due to supply and demand side factors. The UK is in a leading position in Europe but faces significant dangers, especially from the public towards biotechnology.     

中国微生物资源研究现状及未来发展态势分析

[目的]微生物资源由于其对于生命科学基础研究和生物经济的重要价值,一直是全球生物技术竞争的战略重点。中国目前已经成为在生命科学研究领域最有影响力的国家之一,每年发表的论文数量居全球第二位。通过微生物资源的保藏和利用的分析能够一定程度反映我国微生物研究的整体状况和进展,并进一步反映生命科学研究和生物产业的发展趋势。[方法]本文通过分析我国微生物资源保藏、文献、专利等数据,阐述了我国微生物资源的保藏和利用现状,并同相关国家进行了比较,基于此分析,为我国微生物资源挖掘与利用提供战略方向和建议。[结论]近年来,我国建立了微生物资源国家平台,每年发表论文数量居全球第二位,申请和授权专利数量居全球第一位,充分反映了我国微生物资源研究及其在生物产业的应用现状。我国正在形成一个微生物资源保藏、研究和应用的完整体系,为我国乃至全球的生物经济的发展提供支撑。     

Using the first European Breeding Bird Atlas for science and perspectives for the new Atlas

Capsule: The first European Bird Census Council (EBCC) Atlas of European Breeding Birds has been widely used in scientific publications.

Aims: To quantify how scientific publications have used data from the first European Bird Census Council (EBCC) Atlas of European Breeding Birds, what the topics of these studies have been, and to identify key aspects in which a second European Breeding Bird Atlas will provide new opportunities for basic and applied science.

Methods: We searched Google Scholar to find papers published in scientific journals that cited the first atlas. We analysed the contents of a random selection of 100 papers citing this atlas and described the way these papers used information from it.

Results: The first atlas has been cited in 3150 scientific publications, and can be regarded as a fundamental reference for studies about birds in Europe. It was extensively used as a key reference for the studied bird species. A substantial number of papers re-analysed atlas data to derive new information on species distribution, ecological traits and population sizes. Distribution and ecology were the most frequent topics of studies referring to the atlas, but this source of information was used in a diverse range of studies. In this context, climate change, impact of agriculture and habitat loss were, by order, the most frequently studied environmental pressures. Constraints in the atlas, such as the poor coverage in the east of Europe, the lack of information on distribution change and the coarse resolution were identified as issues limiting the use of the atlas for some purposes.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the scientific value of European-wide breeding bird atlases. A second atlas, with its almost complete coverage across Europe, the incorporation of changes in distribution between the two atlases and the inclusion of modelled maps at a resolution of 10?×?10?km will certainly become a key data source and reference for researchers in the near future.     

Crop plants with improved culture and quality traits for food,feed and other uses

The large French research project GENIUS (2012–2019, https://www6.inra.genius-project_eng/) provides a good showcase of current genome editing techniques applied to crop plants. It addresses a large variety of agricultural species (rice, wheat, maize, tomato, potato, oilseed rape, poplar, apple and rose) together with some models (Arabidopsis, Brachypodium, Physcomitrella). Using targeted mutagenesis as its work horse, the project is limited to proof of concept under confined conditions. It mainly covers traits linked to crop culture, such as disease resistance to viruses and fungi, flowering time, plant architecture, tolerance to salinity and plant reproduction but also addresses traits improving the quality of agricultural products for industrial purposes. Examples include virus resistant tomato, early flowering apple and low-amylose starch potato. The wide range of traits illustrates the potential of genome editing towards a more sustainable agriculture through the reduction of pesticides and to the emergence of innovative bio-economy sectors based on custom tailored quality traits.

     

Prospective sustainability assessment: the case of wood in automotive applications

Purpose

The introduction of renewable materials into automotive applications is perceived as an innovative lightweight solution. Wood-based materials are advantageous in that they have potentially lower environmental impacts as compared with other materials such as steel. However, using wood per se does not automatically ensure more sustainability. Few prospective sustainability assessment methods or studies on the use of wood-based materials in automotive applications have been carried out, although these are needed to reduce unintended, negative sustainability effects and to support sustainable oriented research and innovation. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the potential sustainability effects and consequences of introducing a wood-based component into an automotive application.

Methods

A combination of methods was used to analyze the potential sustainability effects when introducing wood into automotive applications. This prospective life cycle sustainability analysis solely relied on secondary data. The environmental impacts were analyzed using a simplified environmental life cycle assessment on the product level. A multi-regional input-output-based assessment was conducted to model the country-specific environmental and socioeconomic consequences. The potential shift in social risks and opportunities on a national scale was analyzed by conducting a generic social life cycle assessment. Various aspects of each approach differ, with each providing a specific perspective of the system under study.

Results and discussion

The results indicate that implementing wood into automotive application can have environmental, social, and economic benefits, according to most of the indicators analyzed. Mostly due to the product weight reduction due to the use of a wood-based component, the results show that environmental impacts decrease. Some possible consequences of using wood-based materials are increased value added and increasing the number of jobs in European countries. Similarly, the social risks and opportunities are shifted from countries all over the world to European countries, which perform better than developing countries according to several indicators. However, some indicators, such as migrant acceptance or local supplier quantity, perform better in the current situation.

Conclusions

The presented case study is particularly notable, because the results clearly indicate the advantages of using wood-based materials in automotive applications, although the application of such relatively holistic and complex approaches often may lead to rather indifferent pictures. Policy makers, researchers, and companies can apply this combination of methods that rely solely on generic data to obtain both feasible and informative results. These methods also allow users to link the product level assessment with a regional and social perspective and screen critical topics to support sustainability research and innovation.

     

Trends in biotechnology: Sustainable technology development: From high tech to Eco Tech

Biotechnology as a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary field of science and engineering is regarded to be a key technology for the future, able to essentially contribute to sustainable development. In the first part of this paper, a critical analysis of the status quo in biotechnologies is given in the area of pharmaceutical, agricultural, environmental, and industrial biotechnology as well as food biotechnology. Here the general potential becomes clear, but also a series of disadvantages which are partly the result of the existing paradigm in science and technology and partly in direct connection to bioprocessing itself. Nevertheless, these biotechnologies will contribute to sustainable development, but mainly in a shallow sense of survival and livelihood. In the second part of this paper, another new dimension in bioprocessing is elucidated, which is in agreement with the new ecological, holistic world view. Here the so-called “eco-principles” are derived from a systems analysis of the ecosphere and represent the intelligence of nature as the result of evolution. The eco-principles will serve as guidelines for the general eco-restructuring of technology, being a drastic change within the next 2–5 decades. For the applying of eco-principles, a quantitative measure for sustainability in technology was developed (“sustainable process index”), which will enable us to design the new technology paradigm called “Eco Tech”. Ecological security and social equity, together with economic efficiency will define sustainable technology development in a deeper sense. Following this route, a completely new dimension of biotechnology will be reached, where the technosphere is fully embedded into the natural cycles of the ecosphere on a local basis.     

Dynamics of the public concern and risk communication program implementation

Abstract

The public concern about electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure varies due to different reasons. A part of them are connected with the better and higher quality of information that people receive from science, media, Internet, social networks, industry, but others are based on good communication programs performed by the responsible institutions, administration and persons. Especially, in Bulgaria, public concern follows interesting changes, some of them in correlation with the European processes of concern, but others following the economic and political processes in the country. Here, we analyze the dynamics of the public concern over the last 10 years. Our explanation of the decrease of the people’s complaints against EMF exposure from base stations for mobile communication is as a result of our risk communication program that is in implementation for >10 years.     

Correcting observer effect bias in estimates of nesting success of a coastal bird,the White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus

Capsule A recently developed observer-effects model gives better estimates than the survival model.

Aims To compare the performance of the traditional survival model with that of an observer-effects model in estimating nesting success.

Methods We used survival data from 654 nests in a covariate-dependent extension of a maximum-likelihood estimator model to simultaneously estimate daily survival rate and observer effect on nesting success in four different sectors of a study site. Standard likelihood-ratio tests and Akaike's information criterion differences were used to compare model performances.

Results A significant (negative) observer effect was detected in one of four sectors of the study area, and was probably attributable to small mammal predators. Despite significantly higher predation risk during the laying period, there was a significant positive observer effect during the laying period, contrasting with a weak negative effect during the incubation period, suggesting that an observer's tracks around unattended nests reduced predation risk. Likelihood-ratio tests indicated a significantly better fit using the observer effects model versus the Mayfield survival model in four of six scenarios.

Conclusion The observer-effects model accounts for bias in estimates of nest survival rates, and is preferred over the survival model because the inclusion of observer effect as a variable does not over-parameterize the model.     

生物经济与生物技术之浅析

生物经济是由生物技术高度产业化推动的人类历史上将达到的第四次经济浪潮,当前我们正处于生物经济的成长阶段。生物经济具有资源依赖性强,产品多样化但垄断性差,生物技术通用性强的显著特点。生物技术产业的崛起将促进新经济发展,对农业、工业、医药、环境保护、新能源开发以及生物战剂的抵御能力产生重要影响。通过总结生物经济的发展态势及现状,指出我国发展生命科学与生物技术的成果和面临的问题,探讨发展对策,以期为推动生命科学和生物技术产业化提供参考。     

Fostering systems thinking in student teachers of biology and geography – an intervention study

ABSTRACT

Developing students’ systems thinking is an often-posed demand in education for sustainable development (ESD) and science literacy. Several studies have shown that systems thinking can be fostered in students of different education levels. Therefore, science teachers who are required to teach ESD-relevant topics should be proficient in systems thinking and be able to transfer that knowledge effectively to their students. The research project SysThema (Systems Thinking in Ecological and Multidimensional Areas) investigated the effect of three courses designed to foster systems thinking in student teachers of biology and geography. Courses varied in their proportions of technical fundamentals of system science and didactical content for teaching systems thinking. To conceptualise systems thinking, a heuristic structural competence model for systems thinking was developed. This model served as the basis for a test in evaluating the courses in a quasi-experimental intervention study that employed a pre-, post- and follow-up test control group design. After the completion of the courses, a high effect of fostering systems thinking was found in all treatment groups compared to the control group.     

Removal of Petroleum Contaminants Through Bioremediation with Integrated Concepts of Resource Recovery: A Review

There is an upsurge in industrial production to meet the rising demands of the rapidly growing population globally. The enormous energy demand of the growing economies still depends upon petroleum. It has also resulted in environmental pollution due to the release of petroleum origin pollutants. Soil and aquifers, especially in the direct impact zones of petroleum refineries, are the worst hit. The integrated concept of bioremediation and resource recovery offers a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental pollution. It involves biodegradation, a benign utilization of toxic wastes, and the recycling of natural resources. Bioremediation is considered an integral contributor to the emerging concepts of bio-economy and sustainable development goals. This review article aims to provide an updated overview of bioremediation involving petroleum-based contaminants. Microbial degradation is discussed as a promising strategy for petroleum refinery effluent and sludge treatment. The review also provides an insight into resource reuse and recovery as a holistic approach towards sustainable refinery waste treatment. Furthermore, the integrated technologies that deserve in-depth exploration for future study in the refinery sector are highlighted in the present study.Graphical abstract      

The development of european regional law of the sea

Abstract

The development of regional law of the sea may be more practical than a new global order for the oceans and may be preferable to the extension of national maritime jurisdictions.

The Common Market has taken two important steps towards creating a European system of maritime law: The Common Fisheries Policy and the EEC Commission's decision of 10 September 1970 to apply the Common Market treaty to the continental shelf. The Common Fisheries Policy of 20 October 1970, opened national territorial waters within the EEC to all Community fishermen and provided the foundation for the generation of Common Market fishing policy. The continental shelf decision brought the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons on the shelf within EEC regulations and supervision.

The EEC has begun to co‐ordinate European Law of the Sea negotiations for the Santiago Conference.

Other European organizations (the Bow Group, the Council of Europe, and the Western European Union) have proposed various non‐EED regimes for maritime legislation and co‐operation, but no such non‐EEC proposal seems likely to be implemented. The future of European law of the sea lies with the Common Market which can make an important contribution to European maritime order and provide a model of regional co‐operation for other areas of the globe.     

Integrating life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) in the early phases of aircraft structural design: an elevator case study

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to develop a model that will combine economic and environmental assessment tools to support the composite material selection of aircraft structures in the early phases of design and application of the tool for an aircraft elevator.

Methods

An integrated life cycle cost (LCC) and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was used as part of the sustainable design approach for the laminate stacking sequence design. The model considered is the aircraft structure made of carbon fiber reinforce plastic prepreg and processed via hand layup-autoclave process which is the preferred method for the aircraft industry. The model was applied to a cargo aircraft elevator case study by comparing six different laminate configurations and two different carbon fiber prepreg materials across aircraft’s entire life cycle.

Results and discussion

The results show, in line with other studies using different methodologies (e.g., life cycle engineering, or LCE), that the combination of LCA with LCC is a worthwhile approach for comparing the different laminate configurations in terms of cost and environmental impact to support composite laminate stacking design by providing the best trade-off between cost and environment. Elevator LCC reduces 19% by changing the material type and applying different ply orientations. Elevator LCA score reduces 53% by selecting the optimum instead of best technical solution that minimizes the displacement. Improving the structural performance does not always lead to an increase in the cost.

     

Sustainable forest management in China; the basic principles and practices

ABSTRACT

Sustainable forest management is described, in theory and in practice, especially in the regions where the forest resources have been damaged seriously for economic development. It emphasizes the need to exert the multifunctions of forest ecosystems. The paper analyses the main benefits and constraints of sustainable forest management with regard to the special natural and economic conditions of China. According to the basic principles of sustainable forest management, China has been taking the relevant actions. Six national programmes and participatory forest management for forest resources utilisation and conservation are operative as regional implementation strategies. Demonstrations, with 13 sample sites in different typical regions, and 8 Criteria and 80 Indicators based on the Montreal Process for monitoring and assessment of sustainable forest management at the national level, have been established and tested. Biological diversity conservation, plantation management for timber production, natural forest protection, non-wood products and technical training will become the priorities for sustainable forest management in China.     

Three New Species of Gelechiid Moths (Lepidoptera,Gelechiidae) from the Southeastern Regions of the European Part of Russia

Three new species of gelechiid moths (Gelechiidae) are described from the arid regions of the southeastern European part of Russia (Astrakhan and Orenburg provinces): Bryotropha satschkovisp. n., Monochroa aenigmasp. n., and Scrobipalpa achtubicasp. n.