Annotated Bibliographic Entry

Reference: EC 2001 
Title: Towards a Strategic Vision of Life Sciences and Biotechnology: Consultation Document
Authors: Commission of the European Communities
Publisher: European Commission, Rue de la Loi, 200, Wetstraat, Bruxelles-1049 Brussels, Belgium
Publication details: September 2001, 32p

Summary
          Issues for consideration and consultation
Table of Contents

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Summary

At the European Council in Lisbon in March 2000, the European Union set itself a new strategic goal: to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge based economy in the world.  In February 2001, at the Stockholm European Council, the Commission recalled the economic, social and environmental potential of life sciences and biotechnology and, in consequence, the strategic and long-term importance for Europe of mastering these sciences and technologies and their applications. The Commission also stated its intention to present, by the end of 2001, a strategic vision of life sciences and biotechnology to 2010 and beyond.

Life sciences and biotechnology raise different types of issues that should be addressed at the appropriate level in accordance with the subsidiarity principle. In some areas, the Community has a clear responsibility (for example concerning trade and internal market implications as well as handling the implications of life sciences and biotechnology on existing Community policies). In others, the responsibility lies with the Member States (e.g. on setting the ethical principles). The cross cutting nature and importance of life sciences and biotechnology and their implications call for a careful reflection on overall coherence and on the involvement of civil society and stakeholders.

The Commission invites comments from citizens, consumers, civil society, scientists, public authorities and operators with economic interests in industry, agriculture or services to contribute to the Commission's reflections. This consultation document lays out some of the Commission's current thinking, and suggests specific questions and issues on which the Commission would particularly welcome comments, as well as on any other issues.  The key issues are outlined below: 

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Issues for consideration and consultation
Life sciences and biotechnology have entered a stage of exponential growth, opening up a vast potential to move economies in Europe and globally towards more sustainable development and improved quality of life. They are therefore of strategic importance in Europe's quest to become a leading knowledge-based economy. Europe cannot afford to miss the opportunity that these new sciences and technologies offer.

The EU needs to strengthen competitiveness to permit growth and the creation of highly skilled jobs. The driving factor is primarily research, which expands the new knowledge base in life sciences and biotechnology. A main challenge will be to ensure that innovation successfully transforms research and inventions into viable new products and services.

This potential can only be realised if there is broad public support. Consequently, there is a need for awareness and enlightened policy decisions on the societal priorities, and in particular on the societal framework and the ethical basis for development and applications of the new sciences and technologies. Development and application of life sciences and biotechnology raise fundamental ethical questions such as the definition and nature of the human being and the use and control of genetic information. Some applications may also have social and economic implications, for example in terms of access to health and life insurance or through implications for agricultural practices. It is fundamental that these questions, of key importance to public perception, be properly addressed.

Regulatory oversight of biotechnology and focused public research must ensure that the development and application of life sciences and biotechnology is safe for humans, animals and the environment (including biodiversity), taking into account all the other concerns to ensure the safe and socially acceptable development and application of life sciences and biotechnology.

The scientific and technological revolution is a global reality which creates new opportunities and challenges for all countries in the world, rich or poor. Europe needs to develop its policies with a clear international perspective, contributing constructively to international cooperation while defending its own interests.

The European Commission is committed to the development of sound and coherent policies in the general interest of Europe, but the key to success lies with all stakeholders in Europe - public authorities, science, economic operators and consumers as well as the general public.

This approach is fully in line with the proposals set out in its recent White Paper on European Governance. There the Commission highlighted the need to open up policy-making to make it more inclusive and accountable. In particular, it focused on improving involvement of European citizens in shaping EU policy. Democracy depends on people being able to take part in public debate. To do this, they must have access to reliable information on European issues and be able to scrutinise the policy process in its various stages. Hence, the need for institutions to communicate more actively with the public on European issues, in particular if they are of such a sensitive nature as life sciences and biotechnology. Consultation helps the Commission and other institutions to arbitrate between competing claims and priorities and assists in developing a longer term policy perspective. This will enable the Union to guard against decisions on future policies that are inspired by short-term thinking on long-term challenges.

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EC 2001. EC Life Sciences and Biotechnology Strategic Vision 2001: Consultation Document

Table of Contents

1. Towards a comprehensive and strategic vision 3

2. Potential and impacts of life sciences and biotechnology 5

3. Innovation and competitiveness 8

4. Research 11

5. Ethical implications 14

6. Public views and public involvement 15

7. Regulation and governance 17
7.1. Regulatory issues for GMOs, including seeds, GM food and feed 17
7.2. Regulation of other applications 21

8. The international dimension 23  
8.1. Trade and international collaboration 23 
8.2. Development policy 25  

9. Conclusions 27

Glossary 29

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Web site: http://europa.eu.int/comm/biotechnology