IBISBA, together with INRAE and the PEPR Bioproductions (B-BEST) programme, has co-produced a Policy Brief calling for a stronger, more coherent European framework to support biotechnology and biomanufacturing across the agri-food sector and the broader bioeconomy.
The brief stems from a joint event held on 4 February 2026 in Brussels, which brought together researchers, industry representatives, civil society organisations, and EU institutions. Discussions centred on how research can best be harnessed to support a competitive, sustainable biomanufacturing sector, and what policy conditions are needed to make this happen.
Key messages from the Policy Brief:
- Research infrastructures are essential enablers of the biotechnology value chain, from laboratory to market.
- Strengthening the research–innovation continuum requires synergy between research and technology infrastructures, good data management practices, and the harnessing of AI.
- A broader Biotech Act is needed, one that goes beyond health to unlock the full potential of biomanufacturing across agri-food, chemicals, and materials.
- Biotechnology’s generic nature must be recognised in future EU research programmes (FP10), enabling bioprocess development for multiple market applications.
- Data and AI integration require a dedicated European roadmap and recognition of data infrastructures as strategic assets equivalent to research infrastructures.
As a pan-European research infrastructure, IBISBA plays a central role in federating expertise and promoting standardisation and best data practices, directly addressing the challenges identified in the brief. The forthcoming BIOLEAD European project, launching in June 2026, will further develop a roadmap to strengthen Europe’s bio-based competitiveness.
Download the full Policy Brief HERE