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As can be seen from Table 5.2, policy option 2 (soft measures) generates the largest number of policy actions (11), most of which have minor economic and social (employment) impacts. However, overall economic and social impacts can be more significant in case these actions would reinforce each other. Environmental impacts are expected to be negligible. Policy option 3 (mainstreaming) would generate eight actions, most of which have a minor economic impact. Less certain is whether these economic impacts would be sufficiently strong enough to generate employment (social) impacts. Much will depend on the packaging and precise implementation of these actions. Environmental impacts are expected to be negligible as well. The number of actions under Policy option 4 (Formal policy measures) would be limited to four, however the impacts of these individual measures could be substantial, both in economic as well as environmental terms. 5.3 Substantiation of impacts by policy option As part of the substantiation of the most relevant impacts for the policy options, this section provides a qualitative assessment of those measures that are expected to have a more significant impact (score ‘++’ or ‘+++’ in Section 5.2 above). The assessment also indicates the most relevant impact areas for each measure, amongst those presented in the section above, as well as the causal logic which justifies the qualitative assessment of potential impact of the measure. 5.3.1 Impacts of policy option 2 The most substantial impacts are expected to come from measures, 2A. and 2H. 2A. Support the development of the Marine Biotechnology ERA-NET Expected results The results would include further promotion of the Marine Biotechnology ERA-NET and consequently more streamlined communication, supporting, networking and cooperation projects within the scheme. Moreover, the measure could potentially contribute to promoting synergies between the subsectors within Blue Biotechnology, namely pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, energy, food etc. Costs related to the implementation would be on the low to medium scale as this activity relies on already existing, proven networks and infrastructure. Specific impacts Specific impacts would translate into an increased number of Blue Biotechnology projects launched in cooperation with academics and SMEs on the national or European level. Consequently, the measure would contribute to the emergence of new products and marketable prototypes. Wider impacts The creation of a European platform could contribute to increased visibility of the sector at the European as well as the international level. Additionally the overarching research potential of the wider biotechnology industry could be strengthened by the increased numbers of joint initiatives between researchers and private enterprises. Moreover, the increased and wider collaborations could lead to a better and more efficient use of available infrastructure – including those exploratory vessels that are in private ownership. Study in support of Impact Assessment work on Blue Biotechnology 75

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