UNDO software
UNDO
We offer software and consultancy to help organizations to adopt circular business practices.
ID: 182396997291-07
Lobbying Activity
Response to EU Life sciences strategy
15 Apr 2025
Input from the EU B-trust project on the life sciences strategy. More info on the project: https://btrustproject.eu/ Input on the life sciences strategy: The B-Trust project explores why biotechnological solutions in the agri-food and bio-based sectors sometimes face limited acceptance. Through co-creation sessions involving consumers, farmers, and industries, as well as interviews with social and environmental organizations, the project identifies core concerns and proposes strategies to foster trust and uptake. 1. Background Goal: Address limited adoption of biotech solutions due to low trust and acceptance by the public, farmers, and industry. Approach: Phase 1: Explores concerns via co-creation sessions and interviews. Phase 2: Develops measures and interventions collaboratively with stakeholders. Outcome: Insights into consumer, farmer, and industry perspectives that can inform a life sciences strategy. 2. Insights from a Consumer Perspective Biotech = GMOs: Consumers often equate biotechnology with genetic modification and view it as unnatural, linking it to highly processed foods. Corporate Skepticism: Large biotech companies (e.g., Monsanto) are distrusted, viewed as driven by financial gain and prone to monopolization. Regulatory Influence: Stringent EU regulations on GMOs fuel the perception that genetic modification is unsafe. Better transparency about regulatory standards and their protective intent could alleviate fear. Importance of Purpose: Acceptance is easier when biotech solutions clearly serve a societal or environmental good (e.g., ensuring nutritious food access or reducing environmental impact). Freedom of Choice: Consumers want clear, transparent communication and the ability to opt out. Context Matters: Applications such as precision fermentation for medical purposes tend to be viewed more favorably, while use in food production is seen as potentially unnatural. No Silver Bullet: Consumers do not see biotechnology as a sole solution; they want balanced approaches that also address root causes of climate and sustainability challenges. 3. Insights from Farmers Fear of Monopolies: Farmers worry that biotech companies will dominate decisions, especially through seed patents or new breeding techniques. Long-Term Effects Unclear: Concerns persist about safety, legislation, and scaling up costs. Farmers often see biostimulants as expensive and less effective. Industry vs. Traditional Farming: Cultured meat, for instance, raises fears that farmers livelihoods could be threatened. Financial Viability: More uniform EU legislation and financial support are needed to make sustainable practices feasible. Need for Knowledge: Farmers feel uninformed and kept in the dark on scientific developments. Global Competitiveness: Despite doubts, farmers acknowledge the need for biotech innovations to stay competitive internationally. 4. Perspectives from Industry Clusters Funding Challenges: High-TRL (technology readiness level) research often remains stuck in semi-academic phases without direct uptake by companies needing tailor-made solutions. Research vs. Implementation: Companies struggle to fund critical research on risk and sustainability assessments. This is especially tough for start-ups and SMEs. Open Access to Research: Making publicly funded research openly available can democratize knowledge, prevent monopolies, and support smaller companies. 5. Stakeholder Involvement Methodology: B-Trust aims to create a robust method for involving various stakeholdersconsumers, farmers, and industriesin the research, development, and regulation of biotech. Value of Co-Creation: Early and meaningful engagement fosters mutual understanding of concerns, better communication, and more trust in regulatory processes. Strategic Importance: This participatory approach should be integral to any life sciences strategy to ensure socially responsible and accepted biotech innovation.
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