Biotechnology 2020 : from the transparent cell to the custom-designed process

This brochure provides an opportunity to look ahead and forecast possible applications of biotechnology from now to 2020. The outlooks presented in this brochure are based on the current state of scientific knowledge and describe likely developments. The chapters are targeted at both the general public and more expert readers. Each chapter has a glossary to explain essential technical terms to a lay readership. The brochure is less a scientific publication than a science-based discussion of the opportunities and challenges resulting from new developments in biotechnology. In the context of the Lisbon strategy, frontier technologies such as biotechnology have a pivotal role to play. The shift towards a European Knowledge-Based Bio-economy depends on our ability to manage biological resources in a sustainable manner, and to exploit the advances in microbial, plant and animal biotechnologies for the efficient creation of new, eco-efficient and competitive products and services.