Biomanufacturing ("the fermentation economy") is becoming a foundational industrial technology comparable to the rise of petrochemicals. However Europe risks repeating its past mistakes—leading in research but losing industrial leadership to China—unless it rapidly adopts a coordinated industrial strategy. This is the central argument of an article by Janka Oertel and Nina Schmelzer on the website of European Council of Foreign relations.
Instead of seeing biotechnology primarily as part of climate policy or agriculture, the EU should classify it as a strategic industrial capability with implications for economic security and geopolitical influence.
Europe is not yet behind China in biomanufacturing (unlike batteries or solar panels).
The authors emphasize that Europe already possesses leading research institutions, significant fermentation capacity, established biotech firms, strong agricultural resources and engineering talent. Their message is that leadership is still achievable—but only if action is taken soon.
Read the complete article: https://ecfr.eu/publication/the-future-is-fermented-how-europe-can-succeed-in-the-next-industrial-race/
Bron: ECRF.EU