The Role of R& D Institutions in Developing Bio- economy in ECO Region

Countries in the ECO region, like the rest of the world, need to develop new technologies and practices which respond to the challenges of climate change and scarcity of natural resources. The high cost of energy, the finite supply of traditional raw materials and clean water, the setting of international emissions reduction targets, and the increasing demand from consumers for sustainable goods, are all driving a global demand for new products, services, technologies and solutions in the Bio- economy. This economy reduces inputs, minimize waste and improve production processes which help stimulate technological innovation, boost employment in the fast developing ‘green technology’ sector, open up new export markets and benefit consumers through more sustainable products. R& D institutions play a central role in achieving the Bio- economy by developing technologies which reduce the costs of the existing environmentally sustainable technologies and delivering the new resource-efficient ones. In this regard, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology has developed a number of new “green” technologies and products including the national project of "Bioenergy production from a new microalgae species to obtain bioactive ingredient and its application for animal and human consumption” and several other clean energy technologies.This strain of microalgae was isolated from mangrove forests in the northern part of the Persian Gulf which is suitable for large-scale biofuel production due to its high biomass and oil content. In this context, the paper would focus on clean technologies developed by IROST and their impact on sustainable economy and environment. reduce the costs of the existing environmentally sustainable technologies and delivering the new resource-efficient ones.