Innovation Ecosystems: challenges and perspectives for Marine Biotechnology
A new global economic paradigm emerged at the beginning of this century, based on the role that oceans can play in sustainable development: the Blue Economy. Operating across various financial activities, marine biotechnology stands out with significant consolidation potential, as it encompasses a wide range of applications used in several sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and others.
The high growth potential is due to the vast marine biodiversity, however, there are inhibitory factors that could impact its development, like the need for adequate infrastructure and qualified human capital; high investments required in the R&D phase; legal frameworks and regulations that do not keep pace with advances in marine biotechnology; effective communication throughout the value chain and commercialization challenges related to the perception of these products by both the business corporation and the civil society.
Thus, the development of marine biotechnology relies on the creation of innovative ecosystems. In this one group of stakeholders works together, forming an organizational network that delivers a joint value proposition, however, the formation of a marine biotechnology ecosystem is complex due to the involvement of teams with expertise, as well as physical and technological infrastructure. It requires transdisciplinary collaboration among scientific and industrial organizations, civil society, and government.
The effectiveness of this ecosystem primarily depends on organizational methodologies and institutional mechanisms. For the former, the Responsible Research, Development, and Innovation (RRI) Framework is noteworthy, based on three foundations: science made for society; science made within society, and responsible, ethical, and transparent science.
Translating the ideas of the framework into practical terms for marine biotechnology ecosystems involves developing technological innovations (e.g., solutions, products, and services) through collaborative actions among stakeholders. To achieve this, it’s crucial to manage expectations regarding the outcomes of collaborative R&D activities through robust contracts, which build trust within the value chain and establish complementary business models. At the same time, society should be included to ensure public acceptance and legitimacy, which are essential for the commercialization phase. The application of this framework identifies critical points in ecosystems, such as communication among stakeholders and its impact on coordination and resource sharing throughout the value chain, which can affect the commercialization of results from R&D activities.
The narrative woven from the premises of this framework, that science should provide answers to socioeconomic issues sustainably and inclusively, has influenced the government to define institutional mechanisms. The Portuguese government has shown an increasing commitment to the development of the Blue Economy. An example of this effort is the initiative to build the International Center for Blue Biotechnology in Matosinhos, expected to be operational by 2030. This venture aims to transform Portugal into a significant player in the global context, considering its geographical characteristics and natural resources to drive scientific and technological innovation in marine biotechnology. Regarding agencies, the National Innovation Agency (ANI) also plays a crucial role in forming these ecosystems, with its direct support reflected in the number of public funding opportunities and the establishment of a national structure composed of organizations responsible for transferring knowledge and technology between research institutions and industries. Among these, the Collaborative Laboratories (CoLABs) stand out.
B2E CoLAB has organizational, physical, technological, and human resources intended to enhance the ecosystem across various areas of the blue bioeconomy, with marine biotechnology being a notable focus. For example, the B2E CoLAB is developing an affiliation ecosystem with a project known as FishMatter, a digital platform, for the valorization of marine coproducts, that facilitates symbiotic relationships among partners and enhances their interactions, thereby increasing the value generated by their projects. Additionally, the strategic and relevant role of the B2E CoLAB is highlighted as a member of the working group established to develop and implement strategies for the International Center for Blue Biotechnology. This involvement underscores the B2E CoLAB’s commitment to growth and innovation in the field of blue biotechnology in Portugal.
Marine biotechnology is a promising field within the blue bioeconomy, focused on the sustainable use of ocean resources. The B2E CoLAB operates in this area as well as in others, such as sustainable aquaculture, which aims to increase aquatic organism production with minimal environmental impact, and the valorization of living marine resources, such as microalgae, for the development of high-value products.
