Regional differences in the development of biotechnology in Europe

Modern biotechnology is widely regarded as information technology, a new wave of knowledgebased economy. It is one of the key technologies of the 20th century, with potentially a versatile range of applications, such as healthcare, agriculture and industrial processes. Simultaneously, biotechnology and pharmacy are the strongest fields in the currently funded basic research which contributes to progress in other sciences. According to the European Parliament’s report “Life sciences and biotechnology – A Strategy for Europe”, it is taken for granted that modern biotechnology offers unique opportunities of satisfying many human needs. Biotechnology could thus serve the European Union as a great contribution to the achievement of its policy objectives of economic growth and job creation, public health, environmental protection and sustainable development. In the following years, life sciences and biotechnology industry could potentially become the major areas of science, industry and employment and could improve the quality of life through innovative medical applications, upgrading of industrial bases of Europe, and better environment. This article aims at presenting regional differences in the development of biotechnology in Europe. Delimitation of regions will take place both on the basis of academic achievement in the field and the location of the biotechnology industry in Europe. An attempt will also be made to link the development of biotechnology with other markers of socio-economic regions of Europe