Knowledge Repository
Smart Specialisation and Blue biotechnology in Europe
Abstract
Smart Specialisation Strategies favour the discovery of innovation potential in Europe also in the Blue Biotechnology. This report introduces the smart specialisation activities in the emerging Blue Growth sector of Blue Biotechnology. As a part of the larger Biotechnology sector, the Blue biotechnology aims to make the existing sector of aquaculture and macroalgae harvesting more efficient and sustainable, and to develop new bio-products and applications from marine bioresources to be used in energy, cosmetics, nutrition, health and manufacturing. 12 countries and 53 regions in the EU present linkages to the Blue biotechnology in their Smart Specialisation Strategies. A comprehensive screening of EU supported interventions in the funding period 2014-2020 showed that 238.6 M EUR of EU funds have been invested in 182 projects and initiatives related to Blue biotechnology with a total budget of 336 M EUR.