Industrial Biotech Power Players to Give Snapshot of Global Bioeconomy Development at EuropaBio´s EFIB 2012

This October, EuropaBio´s European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Biobased Economy (EFIB) brings together a panel of multinational CEOs to discuss the evolution of a world leading EU bioeconomy.

The bioeconomy concept has never been higher on the EU agenda for its role in helping develop a competitive, innovative and prosperous society by providing sustainable, smart and inclusive growth and jobs, and by meeting the needs of a growing population. At its heart is the transition from a fossil fuel-driven economy to one based increasingly on a mix of renewable biological resources.

Debate will cover the entire value chain: production of biomass and conversion into food and bio-based products via innovative and efficient technologies, all driven by industrial biotechnology (IB).

This year in Düsseldorf, Germany, an audience of approximately 500 international policy makers, captains of industry, NGOs, journalists and financiers will participate in a high level forum providing a snapshot of new growth, innovation, initiatives, partnerships and policy.

Joanna Dupont-Inglis, Director for Industrial Biotech at EuropaBio said: "EFIB is now renowned by a global audience as the annual EU meeting place for business and policy on Industrial Biotech and the biobased economy. This year´s event takes place at a vibrant and dynamic time for the industry on the eve of proposals for EU-wide Public Private Partnerships on Biobased Industries and on Resource Efficiency in the Processing Industry."

"These partnerships, developed under the European Commission´s new framework for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020, have the potential to help bridge the EU´s "˜innovation valley of death´ between scientific excellence and commercial success through sustainable solutions. Set these developments in the context of an evolving future Common Agricultural Policy and a new EU Bioeconomy Strategy and it´s clear to see that there´s a great deal to discuss."

Conference speakers include EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghan-Quinn, and the CEO panel will feature:

Ian Hudson, President EMEA, DuPont

Stephan Tanda, Member of the Board, DSM, Chair of EuropaBio

Adam Monroe, President, Novozymes

Catia Bastioli, CEO, Novamont

Andy Sweetman, Chair, European Bioplastics

Bernward Garthoff, State Cluster, North Rhine Westphalia

Marc Verbruggen, President & CEO, NatureWorks

Jean Francois Huc, CEO, BioAmber

Marc Delcourt, CEO, Global Bioenergies

Thorsten Eggert, CEO, evocatal

Learn more about EFIB 2012 www.efibforum.com