Future prospects for industrial biotechnology
Contributors: OECD iLibrary
Publisher: OECD
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Paris
Language: eng
Number of pages: 137
ISBN-13: 9789264119567; 9789264126633
Subjects: Biotechnology; Forecasting; Biotechnology industries
Description: The field of industrial biotechnology has moved rapidly in recent years as a combined result of international political desire, especially in the case of biofuels, and unprecedented progress in molecular biology research that has supplied the enabling technologies. Different geographical regions have different priorities, but common drivers are climate change mitigation and the desire for energy independence. Now, industrial biotechnology has reached the centre of scientific and political attention. At no time in the past has there been a more pressing need for coherent, evidence-based, proportionate regulations and policy measures; they are at the heart of responsible development of industrial biotechnology. This publication examines the international drivers, the enabling technologies that are fast-tracking Industrial Biotechnology, industry trends, some of the products that are appearing on the market, industry structure and finance, and finally policy measures and trends. It examines separately biofuels, biobased chemicals and bioplastics. It is quite clear that a supportive policy framework for the development of biofuels exists in many countries, but that no such framework is in place for biobased chemicals and bioplastics. This seems at odds with the apparent need for the integrated biorefinery, where chemicals and plastics production will significantly improve profitability when produced alongside transportation fuels.
Notes: "This work is published on the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the OECD"--T.p. verso.

"Corrigenda to OECD publications may be found online at: www.oecd.org/publishing/corrigenda"--T.p. verso.

OECD-code: 93 2011 05 1 P.

Includes bibliographical references.

Also available online to subscribers.

Text in English; includes executive summary, also in English, at beginning of book.
Table of contents: title: Foreword; title: Executive summary; title: Introduction; title: Scope and drivers for industrial biotechnology; title: Emerging synthetic enabling technologies; title: Trends in industry and products; title: Current high-visibility industrial biotechnology products; title: Business organisation and finance in industrial biotechnology; title: Biotechnology policy; title: Developments, implications and conclusions.