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Figure 4.1 Problem tree Overall Problem General Problem Specific Problem Lack of common projects Lack of cooperation Fragmented approach to marine biotechnology between research, SMEs and upscale businessess Fewmarine biotechnology excellence centres Lack of a platform oriented connection of infrastructures Lack of basic research into ecology of marine species and organisms from unusual and extreme environments The EU Blue Biotech sector is not living up to its full growth potential Limited understanding of physiology and ecology of marine species Limited access to data and knowledge infrastructure Lack of data about marine organisms Difficult for SMEs to access knowledge infrastructure such as research vessels and underwater vehicles Low investments in R&D Limited access to finance Limited investments in SMEs Few new technological developements Limited funding for second and third rounds of product Limited access to resources Exploration and sampling in extreme areas are difficult and expensive Discoveries are not subject to benefit sharing Unclear and incomplete legal framework 4.2 Overview of objectives The above structuring of overall, general and specific problems now allows for a transposition into overall, general and specific objectives for possible EU action. It is essential that the formulation of the objectives is aligned with a wider policy agenda – such as the EU 2020 initiative92 calling for smart growth and the creation of new products/services that generate growth and jobs and help address social challenges. It is also important to see these fit within the overall Blue Growth Agenda, as outlined in the Blue Growth communication93. Based on these, the overall objective of such policy actions is that the EU Blue Biotechnology sector is living up to its full growth potential. 92 http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/europe-2020-in-a-nutshell/priorities/smart-growth/index_en.htm 93 COM (2012) 494 final 60 Study in support of Impact Assessment work on Blue Biotechnology

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