The new frontiers of biotechnology: development opportunities

This conference dealt with strategic themes of great current interest, highlighting the economic feedback made possible by investment in the biotechnology sector. Participants focussed on how both the private and public sector can improve research opportunities and on the need to identify areas of excellence in which to best capitalize on Italian capacity, so as to attract national and foreign capital. Several proposals were made to favor the link between public research, private research, industry and the market: it was agreed that the “brain drain” must be reversed. The biotechnology sector needs a clear development strategy: a body charged with directing and coordinating efforts must be created so as not to waste resources and more effective and efficient financial tools must be developed. Development in the sector also demands better access to risk capital. In this sense, the role banking foundations play are – and will continue to be – increasingly important.