Opportunities and innovation in the bio-economyDr. Reid HoleMember of the board of directors of the RCN financed research program “Bio Businesses” Dean at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture

University of NordlandLocated 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. 20116000 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!