Biotechnology Product Exports Reach $675,000 for 1 Kilogram
Ege University's 13th Bioengineering Days were held on 17-18 May 2016 at the university's Bornova Campus.
VSY Biotechnology Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş: "1 kg of biotechnology product exports valued at USD 675,000"
Speaking at Ege University's 13th Bioengineering Days, VSY Biotechnology Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş stated that Turkey must focus on biotechnology products valued at USD 675,000 per kilogram to increase its current export value of USD 1.34 per kilogram of product.
Ege University's 13th Bioengineering Days took place on 17-18 May 2016 at the university's Bornova Campus.
Speaking at the event, VSY Biotechnology Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş provided statistical information on biotechnology and bioeconomy from Turkey and around the world, and shared his sector experience with young professionals, advising them: "Do not lose your spirit of discovery!"
Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş emphasized that biotechnology is a strategic sector in reducing current account deficits and achieving economic development, stating: "According to export data released by the Customs and Trade Ministry in 2015, Turkey's export value per kilogram stands at USD 1.34, while in developed countries this figure is around USD 5.
The conclusion drawn from this is that Turkey does not produce sufficiently high-value-added products. As the knowledge intensity of a product increases, its cost decreases. Biotechnology products are lightweight yet high-value items, and 1 kilogram of biotechnology product exports is valued at USD 675,000.
Countries aware of the strategic importance of this sector are investing in it," he said.
GLOBAL BIOTECHNOLOGY MARKET
In his presentation, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş also addressed the global biotechnology market, stating: "According to the Turkey Biotechnology Strategy Document and Action Plan (2015-2018) Report, the global biotechnology market, recorded at USD 304 billion, is projected to reach USD 468.1 billion in 2017.
Germany, the United Kingdom and France constitute the largest portion of the EU biotechnology market. These countries host half of the bloc's biotechnology firms. Within the framework of the "Bioeconomy for Europe" strategy, funding and support continue throughout Europe, and significant progress has been made.
According to the distribution of biotechnology private sector research and development spending across all OECD countries, the United States ranks first with USD 26.14 billion. This represents 8.9% of US private sector expenditure.
The United States is followed by France with USD 3.27 billion, Switzerland with USD 2.56 billion, Japan with USD 1.23 billion, South Korea with USD 1.18 billion, and Germany with USD 1.15 billion.
The country with the most biotechnology firms is also the United States. The number of known active biotechnology firms stands at 6,862. The United States is followed by Spain, France, South Korea, Brazil and Germany in terms of firm count.
The United States, which holds a leading position in the biotechnology sector, recorded public research and development spending of USD 18 billion in 2011. According to statistics, Germany, South Korea and Spain are among the countries spending the most on biotechnology.
The share of biotechnology research and development spending in total public sector research and development spending is 20.52% in Germany, 18.9% in South Korea and 14.8% in Spain."
Noting that he and his colleagues have been pioneers in advancing biotechnology work in Turkey, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş pointed out that Turkey ranks at low levels with a 0.03% share of biotechnology patent applications, and added that they are working to create a favourable climate for the development of Turkey's biotechnology sector.
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Dr. Varlıbaş for his participation in the Bioengineering Days; subsequently, he visited the university's Technopark with Ege University Department of Bioengineering Chair Prof. Dr. Fazilet Vardar Sukan.
