EUROPEAN COMMISSION: REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIFE SCIENCES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY STRATEGY

摘要

This second progress report takes a look at what has been done in practice since the European Commission adopted a strategy on life sciences and biotechnology in January 2002 which listed policy aims and set out a 30-point plan to put policy into action. This year's report anticipates emerging issues such as tissue engineering, genetic testing and animal biotechnology and indicates how the EU will respond. It highlights the need for public and private investment in research to be increased so biotechnology companies can access more funds. The number of companies remains stable and the number of pharmaceutical compounds in clinical trials (a common measure of research activity) has continued to increase. Innovation and growth need support, it says. That support is not always forthcoming from Member States which have been slow to implement legislation on key areas such as intellectual property and genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). Seven Member States still have to implement Directive 98/44/EC onbiotechnology property. This is severely hampering the industry's development as companies are uncertain if they can reap the financial reward of their own hard work. Member States are also dragging their heels on new GM legislation. Eight have not implemented Directive 2001/18/EC on the authorised release of GMOs into the environment. The slow progress in adopting a Community patent has also led many companies to apply for patents in the US and a few European states.