Bioindustry 4.0

Biotechnology is represented by a family of powerful tools that are set to revolutionise economies, societies and daily lives, while addressing critical global challenges such as climate change. Industrial biotechnology is essential because it offers a way to convert renewable raw materials into sustainable products, while simultaneously providing services such as waste treatment. In this regard, the benefits of industrial biotechnology help Europe achieve its goal to establish a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, while boosting the European economy by generating over €100 billion and one million jobs.

The uptake of digitalisation in industrial biotechnology is challenging because, like the digital sector, industrial biotechnology is currently on a steep, fast-evolving maturation pathway. Indeed, compared to the well-established industrial chemistry sector, industrial biotechnology is confronted with:

1. a constant flow of new knowledge and tools being provided by the fast-moving bioscience sector;
2. a multiscale challenge that involves the integration of both physical, chemical and biological phenomena;
3. an interdisciplinary challenge requiring knowledge exchange between biologists, chemical engineers and computational and data science specialists;
4. data rarity, meaning that R&D specialists, especially in emerging businesses, are reluctant to divulge data, because this might cause a loss of their competitive edge.

In Bioindustry 4.0, we believe that these hurdles can only be surmounted through a concerted effort involving a wide range of specialists who work in close cooperation with diverse stakeholders. Due to the multiple strengths and focal points of all those involved, we can drive the digitalisation of bioindustry forward and develop services that can be offered to both academia and industry.