topic Research

Bioeconomy - new concepts for the use of natural resources

The better we can describe and understand the elements and structure of biological systems in their complexity and predict their reaction to external factors, the more will we be able to use them for technologies that benefit humankind and the environment. Biotechnology is an important driver in this process. With the "National Research Strategy BioEconomy 2030", the Federal Government is laying the foundation for realizing a vision of a sustainable bio-based economy by 2030 which produces sufficient healthy food to feed the world and supplies quality products made from renewable resources.

Bioeconomy means the sustainable use of biological resources such as plants, animals and microorganisms. Biotechnology is an important driver in this process. The bioeconomy includes a large number of industries, such as agriculture and forestry, horticulture, fishery and aquacultures, plant breeding, the food and drinks industry as well as the wood, paper, leather, textile, chemical and pharmaceuticals industries, and even parts of the energy industry.  Bio-based innovations also drive growth in other traditional sectors, such as the commodity and food trade, the IT industry, machinery and plant engineering, the automotive industry, environmental technology, the building industry and many service industries.

The Federal Government pursues the aim of harnessing research and innovation to facilitate a structural transition from an oil-based to a bio-based industry which will also offer great opportunities for growth and employment. At the same time, research and innovation will be the basis for taking on international responsibility for global nutrition, the supply of commodities and energy from biomass as well as for climate and environmental protection. The research strategy therefore sets five priorities to continue to develop Germany into a knowledge-based, internationally competitive bioeconomy: global food security, sustainable agricultural production, healthy and safe food, industrial use of renewable resources and biomass-based energy sources. To resolve conflicts arising from the different objectives of these priorities, holistic approaches are needed which take into account the ecological, economic and social concerns in equal measure and integrate them in sustainable solutions.

• 

  topic Research

  International Cooperation

  Using global knowledge to strengthen the bioeconomy. By giving science and research a stronger international orientation, the Federal Government wants to enhance the competitiveness of bioeconomy in Germany and, at the same time, assume greater responsibility for the global challenges of feeding the world and of climate and environmental protection.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/16992.php)
   
  
• 

  topic Hightech Strategy

  The Pharmaceuticals Initiative for Germany

  In recent years, biotechnological methods have helped us identify new approaches to many diseases, enabling treatment with fewer side-effects or even a complete cure. Many of the research results were generated in Germany. But in many cases, new medicines based on these research results are produced in other countries. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched the Pharmaceuticals Initiative for Germany in order to give new impetus to Germany's biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industries. The key element of the initiative is the BioPharma Competition. Its three winning consortiums have now been chosen.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/10540.php)
   
  
• 

  topic Research

  Genome Research

  They might be inconspicuous, but micro-organisms play a central role in everyday life. They are everywhere and are used by man as helpers in the production of food. With the "Genome Research on Micro-organisms" programme, the BMBF is supporting the development of the diversity of micro-organisms and their characteristics for the benefit of humankind. Genome research on plants has become a highly competitive international research area linked to rapid scientific progress and important economic interests. This is the starting point for the BMBF's GABI Initiative.
  more (URL: http://www.bmbf.de/en/946.php)