Opportunities and challenges of the bioeconomy

NACHGEFRAGT in an expert interview

Interview with Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schwaneberg | Chair of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University (TransBIB area "Industry-related training")

Question 1: Many people still find the term "bioeconomy" unwieldy and difficult to define. What does it mean to you specifically, Prof Schwaneberg?

Prof. Schwaneberg: I see the bioeconomy as an important part of the economic model of a climate-neutral circular economy, in which today's product concepts and production technologies are rethought in order to manufacture products based on renewable resources ecologically and economically in a sustainable, industrial value chain. This requires a biologically transformed industry (keyword: resource turnaround) in which we see nature and the opportunities arising from the convergence of biotechnology, chemistry, AI/computer-aided methods and automation as the source of tomorrow's prosperity and drive forward their integrative development quickly and decisively.

Question 2: In recent years, we have become more aware of how fragile global commodity chains and supply routes can be. How can modern biotechnology methods contribute to new value chains and networks?

Prof. Schwaneberg: In my view, biotechnology methods can not only make a contribution, but are also a key prerequisite for new value chains in a biologically transformed industry. The Nobel Prizes for "Articulated Evolution" in 2018, which enables the production of bioethanol or antibodies, for example, and for CRISPR/Cas, the 'gene scissors', in 2020 are proof of the leaps in innovation. Concrete examples can be found, for example, with a focus on the circular economy. Important keywords include "phosphate recovery  to ensure fertiliser production" as well as "polymer recycling in closed and open cycles". Last but not least, biotechnology enables the production of products such as proteins from renewable resources, which can be used as meat/cheese substitutes or for a wide range of material science applications in numerous industrial fields.

Question 3: You work closely with industry in many research projects and have even been able to realise R&E projects under direct company management as part of the Bio4MatPro competence centre. What is the biggest challenge in the "biologisation of industries"?

Prof. Schwaneberg: Many decision-makers and developers in industry are not aware of the possibilities offered by renewable raw materials, biofunctionalised or biofunction-integrated materials with programmed properties or switchable adhesives with bonding/de-bonding on demand, for example. I therefore see the transfer of knowledge to decision-makers and developers in companies and the interdisciplinary training of new specialists as a central task in order to successfully address the challenge of the biologisation of industries and widespread prejudices.

Question 4: The implementation of bioeconomic solutions always depends on many different stakeholders, such as research, large corporations, SMEs, start-ups, but also politics and society. Where do you see a clear need to catch up and great opportunities?

Prof. Schwaneberg: I see a need to catch up and great opportunities, particularly in the activation of SMEs for the biological transformation of industries. The latter should not only include the chemical/plastics, textile and medical technology industries, but also mechanical engineering, the automotive and construction industries. What is missing in innovation transfer, especially of developed biotechnological solutions/products, are launch centres or real laboratories in which companies and research institutions work closely together. Concepts developed at universities with high value creation potential could be quickly scaled up here to a level where SMEs can evaluate their utilisation potential without a great deal of bureaucracy.

Question 5: If you were to venture a look into the future: where will the bioeconomy be in 2040?

Prof. Schwaneberg: My hope is that we in Germany will make bold progress and lead the way in terms of technology and implementation, so that by 2040 we will have utilised the value creation potential of the biological transformation of industries to secure our prosperity in a climate-neutral circular economy.

We would like to thank Prof Dr Ulrich Schwaneberg for the interview.

The questions were asked by TransBIB project team member Dr Thomke Bergs.