Opportunities and innovation in the bio-economy Dr. Reid Hole Member of the board of directors of the RCN financed research program “Bio Businesses” Dean at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture
University of Nordland Located in the High North of Norway Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture Bodø Graduate School of Business Faculty of Social Sciences School of Professional Studies University of Nordland Established 1 Jan students 650 staff (faculty + adm.) More than 100 study programmes A variety of courses in English
Global Challenges (Based on slide by Dr. Patrick Cunnigham)
Why bio-economy? A concept with the ambition to get in control of the global challenges: – Daily supply of enough healthy, nutritious and safe food – Daily supply of sufficient renewable energy – Max 2˚ C temperature increase
Bio-economy, a new concept? “Bio-economy is ―one of the oldest economic sectors known to humanity but ―the life sciences and biotechnology are transforming it into one of the newest” European Commission (EC). New Perspectives on the Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy; European Commission: Brussels, Belgium, 2005 The modern bio-economy is: – Research based and innovation driven – Making use of the most advanced technologies – Multidisciplinary Goal: a non-subsidized economy
Norway’s contribution to the bio-economy 2012: “The Research Programme on Sustainable Innovation in food and Bio-based Industries – BioBusinesses» Objective: “The BioBusinesses programme will promote research that increases the level, profitability and sustainability of production in the bio-based industries” Budget 2013: US$ 37,5 million A 10 years programme
Bio-economy in the bio-based society CLIMATE CHANGES SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCTION ENERGY PRODUCTION PRIMARY PRODUCTS ENERGY PRODUCTION CONSUMER BIOPROSPECTING BIOTECH
Two examples of projects in our program "Legumes and seaweed as alternative protein sources for sheep" "Microalgae 2021: Molecular design of improved production of microalgae to accelerate the establishment of an algae- based bio-economy in Norway" Both contributing to make use of marine based raw materials for: – Feed – Food – Bio-energy – Pharmaceutical
Summary “Bio-economy is ―one of the oldest economic sectors known to humanity but ―the life sciences and biotechnology are transforming it into one of the newest” Modern Bio-economy can contribute significantly to solve the global challenges in a profitable way Modern Bio-economy is research and innovation driven – contributing to sustainability and welfare for humanity Norway’s ambition is to grow the bio-economy and make it a significant part of the GNP
Thank you for your attention!