”Industrial Biotechnology – a platform for sustainable growth in Sweden” 8-9 November 2010 Why did we invest in Greenchem? Britt Marie Bertilsson Programmes director
The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research... to fund research of strategic importance for a good living environment. ….finding solutions to important environmental problems.... … promote the development of strong research environments of the highest international class with importance for Sweden’s future competitiveness. … opportunities for achieving industrial applications shall be taken advantages of.
The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research Mistra was launched in 1994 Has its own capital, today approx SEK 3 billion Assets managed according to sustainability criteria Mistra has until now invested approx SEK 3 billion in research programmes Currently some 15 Mistra-programmes and 2 centers are running
Features of a Mistra programme Research that is aimed at solving strategic environmental problems Research of high international quality and high user value Broad-based interdisciplinary, long term programmes Close collaboration between researchers and users Clear visions and goals Effective management teams
WHY DID WE INVEST IN GREENCHEM? - background Mistra launched a call for proposals in 2001: ”The New Biology – potentials and problems for environmental management” ”The New Biology” – an issue not only for natural sciences but also social sciences and humanities, and users Expected proposals about new processes for chemicals, cleaning processes, sustainable farming etc. Risk analysis was emphasized.
WHY WE DID INVEST IN GREENCHEM - 1 The proposal contained not only biocatalysis but… Environmental systems analysis: Life cycle assessment, LCA, and life cycle cost, LCC Identification of factors important to the implementation of industrial biotech in industry Innovation systems analysis: Implementation strategies Policy issues
WHY WE DID INVEST IN GREENCHEM - 2 Potential to improve environmental conditions Excellent science and scientists User participation: Greenchem involved 8 industrial partners representing whole value chains from feedstock to final products Strong leadership: Committed programme director Dedicated programme board Supportive industrial group
A MISTRA PROGRAMME IS A TEMPORARY ORGANISATION From ”Sustained Leadership – Ideas about managing a Mistra Programme” by Sven Nygren
COMMUNICATION IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO CREATE CONFIDENCE From ”Sustained Leadership – Ideas about managing a Mistra Programme” by Sven Nygren
Mistra - last Byzantine Capital of the Peloponnese St Demetrios, metropolitan church of Mistra Photo C Ambrose 1997