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D. Organise Blue Biotechnology matchmaking events bringing SMEs and investors together (in order to increase visibility – actively) (SO1 + SO3); E. Support the mapping of genetic resources stored in biobanks (SO2); F. Support the mapping of available infrastructure (particularly those used for bioprospecting) (SO2); G. Continue to develop and promote the mapping of Blue Biotechnology investors (SO3); H. Establish a Blue Growth fund for Blue Biotechnology SMEs, to be constructed from existing financing instruments e.g. JEREMIE102, the European Investment Bank103 and the European Investment Fund`s Progress microfinance facility104 that could support this fund using streamlined mechanisms such as bridging loans (SO3); I. Disseminate information on the available financial instruments for SMEs (e.g. Horizon 2020) and raise awareness about the various financial mechanisms among Blue Biotechnology stakeholders (SO3); J. Identify and disseminate best practices related to ABS and related to marine genetic resources (SO4); K. Develop and promulgate guidelines for the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol and ABS of marine genetic resources (SO4). 4.7.3 Policy option 3: Mainstreaming Blue Biotechnology Option 3 entails making full use of the current policy initiatives favouring biotechnology, and promotes their blue components. Option 3 differs from Option 2 as it creates a Blue Biotechnology angle to mechanisms that currently do not have or do not particularly focus on Blue Biotechnology aspects. Mainstreaming Blue Biotechnology with biotechnology would mean that measures and strategies aiming at biotechnology in general would be assessed to identify to what extent they could be utilised to attain specific Blue Biotechnology development goals. This option will be developed by assessing the inclusion of a Blue Biotechnology component of cross-sectoral policies supporting economic, research development and job growth such as:  European Research Infrastructure Consortium105;  European strategy for Key Enabling Technologies106;  European Commission Communication on A European Strategy for Marine and Maritime Research: A coherent European Research Area framework in support of a sustainable use of oceans and seas107 etc. Policy actions would include: A. Promote the inclusion of Blue Biotechnology research activities in existing ERA’s (e.g. ERA Industrial Biotechnology (SO1); B. Identify good practices and benchmarks for the Blue Biotechnology sector, by building on existing biotechnology practices (SO1); C. Facilitate programmes, matchmaking events and roadshows for Blue Biotechnology SMEs as part of broader initiatives for biotechnology and emerging sectors (in order to increase visibility) (SO1 + SO3); 102 European Commission (2013): Special support instruments, http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/thefunds/instruments/jeremie_en.cfm#2 103 European Investment Bank (nd): Sharing risk in research, development & innovation (RSFF), http://www.eib.europa.eu/products/rsff/index.htm 104 European Investment Fund (2013): Progress Microfinance Funded Instruments, http://www.eif.europa.eu/what_we_do/microfinance/progress/funded_instruments/index.htm 105 COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) No 1261/2013 of 2 December 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 723/2009 concerning the Community legal framework for a European Research Infrastructures Consortium (ERIC), http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:326:0001:0002:EN:PDF 107 European Commission (2008): European Commission Communication on A European Strategy for Marine and Maritime Research: A coherent European Research Area framework in support of a sustainable use of oceans and seas, http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52008DC0534:EN:NOT 106 European Commission (2012): A European strategy for Key Enabling Technologies - A bridge to growth and jobs", http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52012DC0341:EN:NOT Study in support of Impact Assessment work on Blue Biotechnology 69

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