The
Biotechnology
sector is a sector with one of the highest growth prospects
in the world over the coming years. Just as the XX century
is considered to be the age of information, the XXI century
will be remembered as the century of biotechnology. This embraces
wide and diverse areas such as:
HEALTH
–Genomics
and proteomics
will lead to:
Breakthroughs in the diagnosis of illnesses.
Significant time and cost savings in the design of new
medicines.
Each patient will be treated on an individual basis, increasing
therapeutic effectiveness and eliminating secondary effects.
AGRICULTURE
– Genetic engineering
will lead to:
The creation of new varieties of vegetable that are
adapted to their environment.
The optimization and improvement of crop performance.
Environmental improvement, due to a reduction in the
use of chemical products such as herbicides and pesticides.
FOOD
–Biotechnological advances will lead to the design
of new foods:
Healthier and more nutritious.
Used as vectors for medicines that treat and heal specific
illnesses.
ENVIRONMENT
–The application of new biotechnological methods
will impact positively on the environment due to:
The use of micro-organisms and plants to decontaminate
water and soils
Reforestation with more resistant plants, which will help
restore the environment
NEW
MATERIALS
–Biotechnological discoveries will lead to new
materials being designed, that will be used in different
areas such as medicine or information technology.
The
most advanced countries are making a firm commitment to biotechnology.
The European Union has highlighted the particular importance
of the biotechnological sector in this century in the Sixth
Framework Programme’s support programmes. Countries
that are able to adapt to the change that will occur over
the coming years, and firmly commit themselves to biotechnology,
will enhance their competitiveness and be in a position to
improve the pubic welfare of their citizens. On the other
hand, those who do not will be relegated to second place and
forced to depend heavily on technological imports, which will
slow down their economic and social development.
Breakthroughs in the diagnosis of illnesses.
