Brussels, 16 March 2023 – Visionary policy, urgency, a clear voice from industry, and enabling regulation for biomanufacturing were the key takeaways from EuropaBio’s first Biomanufacturing Policy Summit, hosted on March 15 in Brussels.

Over 75 EuropaBio members and guests from across the biomanufacturing spectrum came together to discuss Europe in global terms – how to make the most of its advantages and address the critical points that slow its progress compared to other parts of the world.

The meeting kick-started by setting the scene – Europe’s ambition, led by RTD’s Peter Dröll, followed by a look inside the White House Executive Order with BIO’s Hilary Stiss and biopharma manufacturing as a measure of Europe’s competitiveness, with Wojciech Nowak of Novartis. ‘I am Biomanufacturing’ saw three faces of biomanufacturing, with Evonik’s walk through the everyday products in our life that are the changing origins of chemicals, SwiftPharma moving the needle on plant-manufactured drugs, and Belgium showing how it’s done in building the ecosystem for success.

Delegates got to work debating where Europe should be in 10 years for biomanufacturing, why it’s important, and what are the incentives and obstacles on the way. The afternoon wrapped with a panel discussion moderated by GROW’s Kristin Schreiber, with panelists Peter Wehrheim of RTD, Kristin Thompson of investor EUREKARE, Nessa Fennelly of Ireland’s Ibec, Nicolo Giacomuzzi-Moore of CBE JU and Stefaan Fiers of Takeda Belgium. A level playing field for the much-needed transition to sustainably produced products was a key point plus the need for serious communication with consumers and investment into the skills to deliver. Finally, the day closed with the question to all on whether Europe wants to be the pilot or the passenger on the world’s transition into a biomanufacturing powerhouse, a message that EuropaBio takes into its vision for Biomanufacturing Platform delivery over the coming year.

Claire Skentelbery, EuropaBio DG commented “Yesterday saw a first step in the recognition of the value and impact of biomanufacturing and Europe’s essential journey for industrial transformation. The diversity of delegates showed the role for multiple actors, united by their ambition for what Europe can achieve.”