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Country Norway Initiative / cluster Description Biotech North: BioTech North is the network organisation for the development of biotechnology in the Tromsø region in North Norway. Mabcent-SFI: Center for research based innovation on bioprospecting in Tromsø where academic research groups and SMBs collaborate on defined research topics for innovation. MarBank: A national marine biobank organising the collection, and structuring of the marine biodiversity for research and industrial development. Spain Spanish Biomass Technology Platform One the priorities of the Strategic Plan of this platform is the production of biofuel from microalgae. PTEPA is the Spanish Platform for Fisheries and Aquaculture Research. This platform has develop a SRA Genoma Spain is a government-supported public foundation devoted to promoting technology development, knowledge transfer and innovative practices, chiefly in the biotechnology sector. UK The European Centre for Marine Biotechnology aims to be the business incubator of choice for new and emerging marine biotechnology companies in the UK. By establishing a growing cluster of activity and international networks it strives to be the premier site for innovative growth and development within this emerging sector. AB SIG, the Algal Bioenergy Special Interest Group Belgium Flemish Marine biotechnology Platform Mariene Biotechnologie Platform Vlaanderen Denmark Germany Iceland The network Aquacultuur Vlaanderen The Seaweed Network in Denmark (SND) Northern network on marine biotechnology Association of Biotech companies defined by the Federations of Icelandic Industries Regional clusters Regional clusters Regional clusters Platform Platform Foundation Regional clusters Association Platform Platform Association Association Association 3.2.3 National policies in Europe Whilst there is no Europe-wide marine biotechnology policy, European countries do support marine biotechnology in national strategies albeit with varying approaches. The majority of countries do not have specific national marine biotechnology programmes, strategies or policies. Instead marine biotechnology research comes under the remit of general programmes in marine science, biotechnology or other generic sciences, and is supported by overarching policies and strategies in marine sciences and/or biotechnology. However, a small number of countries have developed specific programmes and strategies, policies or plans for marine biotechnology research. Ireland, Norway and Denmark are three such countries. Ireland adopted its Sea Change: A Marine Knowledge Research and Innovation Strategy75 in 2007 75 http://www.marine.ie/home/research/SeaChange/ 46 Study in support of Impact Assessment work on Blue Biotechnology

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