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1 Introduction and policy context 1.1 Background and Objectives Background Interest in marine biotechnology has grown in recent years due to the scientific and technological advances in the last decade that have led to an increased understanding of and access to marine bioresources. One notable area of development has been in ‘omic’ sciences and related technologies which have identified marine bioresources as important sources of new biological and chemical processes and products from which bioactive compounds can be isolated, modelled or created. Marine bioresources have such significant biotechnological potential due to their biological, chemical and genetic diversity. Marine biotechnology is slated to contribute to key global societal challenges of food and energy security, health and green growth and sustainable industries. Objectives The general objective of the study and of this report is to support the impact assessment process of the European Commission by providing information, data and specific analysis with the ultimate aim of deepening and further analysing the growth potential of the Blue Biotechnology sector. Thereto, the Commission has set forth three policy options that should be considered within the frameworks of the study, these are: 1) No policy change/baseline, which would mean that no consolidated action for the Blue Biotechnology sector would be developed at EU level; 2) A soft policy framework to foster the Blue Biotechnology sector in the EU through better analysis of the sector, promotion of dialogue and regional cooperation, as well as guidance to Member States and stakeholders on best practices on how to overcome the main challenges and obstacles; and 3) A more stringent consolidated European strategy for the Blue Biotechnology sector, including an action plan. This comprehensive strategy would include, where and if necessary, proposals for legislative action. It would also encompass a targeted communication approach specific to European Blue Biotechnology. The methodology and approach to the study is detailed in the Inception Report which was submitted on 11th November, 2013. 1.2 Definition of Blue Biotechnology sector 1.2.1 Definition of marine biotechnology The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)7 broadly defines biotechnology as ‘the application of science and technology to living organisms, as well as parts, products and models thereof, to alter living and non-living materials for the production of knowledge, goods and services’. Marine biotechnology, put simply, is the use of marine bioresources as the target or source of biotechnological applications; marine resources are used to develop products or services, but the marine environment can also be the recipient of biotechnology applications developed using terrestrial resources. Figure 1.1 illustrates the ‘field’ of marine biotechnology and provides examples of the types of tools and technologies utilised and the resulting products and services. 7 OECD, 2013, Marine Biotechnology: Enabling Solutions for Ocean Productivity and Sustainability, OECD Publishing. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264194243-en Study in support of Impact Assessment work on Blue Biotechnology 1

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