The national Trend Analysis Biotechnology 2023 (Dutch only) published last week by the Health Council (GR) and the Committee on Genetic Modification (COGEM) provides a sharp overview of the rapid developments in biotechnology, its significant role in realizing the global sustainable development goals (SDGs) and of national ambitions such as the protein transition and circular economy. The report also outlines the many fronts on which the Netherlands and Europe unfortunately still fall short of actually capitalizing on this biotech potential. It therefore calls for an integrated vision with sharp choices, national direction through an interdepartmental biotechnology directorate, and substantial investments in all aspects of the biotech innovation ecosystem. 

The NBV contributed to this important analysis.