Regional differences in the development of biotechnology in Europe

Modern biotechnology is widely regarded as information technology, a new wave of knowledge-based economy. It is characterized by innovation and a very fast pace of development, which is associated with the involvement of highly qualified specialists, research centers equipped with a specialized instruments, a variety of sources of innovation, investment expenditure as well as interconnections to guarantee the flow of information. Biotechnology 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 science. 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 for the answers to many human needs. Biotechnology could thus serve 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. More and more significant role of biotechnology is also associated with a rapid population growth and a possible food crisis in the economically underdeveloped regions. Growing old among populations in developed countries and being ambitious about the quality of their life and its friendliness to the environment, is becoming fullfilled, for example by reducing the consumption of chemical pesticides. Life sciences and biotechnology industry in the following years could potentially become the major areas of science, industry and employment and 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. There will also be made an attempt to link the development of biotechnology with other indicators of socio-economic regions of Europe.