Zhanet Stamatova
A new Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) located on the University of Strathclyde campus is expected to create 1500 jobs within five years and increase the Scottish industrial biotechnology (IB) industry turnover to up to £3 billion by 2030.
IBioIC is supported and funded by several major Scottish organisations such as the Scottish Funding Council and is an essential part of the National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology, Towards a Greener, Cleaner 2025.
Industrial biotechnology aims to work on cost-effective and environmentally-friendly ways for producing outputs such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy and others. It is an important industry for Scotland and, thus, the opening of IBioIC is estimated to add around £130 million to the Scottish economy.
An essential distinguishing aspect of IBioIC is that it promotes the cooperation between 13 Scottish Higher Education Institutions and private organisations involved in biotechnology research. It aims to expand these organisations’ current expertise and attract more businesses to explore and get involved with industrial biotechnology.
Laurence Howells, Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, pointed out the importance of IBioIC for the community by saying, “I am in no doubt of the huge contribution IBioIC will make to economic growth and job creation in Scotland, whilst reducing our impact on the environment.”
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: “As a single, national facility, IBioIC will enable Scotland […] to accelerate our globally-distinctive positioning and capability in the industrial biotechnology market.” He continued by emphasizing the importance of “collaboration and shared vision between government, industry and academia,” which are central to the completion and future success of the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre.
