Australasian Biotechnology (backfiles) AusBiotech ISSN: 1036-7128 Vol. 10, Num. 6, 2000, pp. 2-3

 Australasian Biotechnology, Vol. 10 No. 6, 2000, pp. 2-3

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Peter Riddles, National President

Code Number: au00059

I write this letter as one of the first duties as the new President of the Australian Biotechnology Association (ABA) and consequently it is appropriate to discuss what I see as some of the most important issues that are facing the Association and the members that we represent.

At an organisational level, you are aware that the recent ABA Council appointed a Steering Group to prepare a proposal that would provide guidance for the Association in strengthening its role in supporting and representing industry’s needs. The Steering Group’s proposal was presented and discussed at the recent ABA Annual General Meeting and issues that it raised have been circulated by email, and posted on our web page and that of Biomedoz. A considerable amount of positive and constructive feedback was obtained during the preparation of the proposal and since it was presented to the ABA membership.

Overwhelmingly, I have found personally, that there is widespread support for the proposal from all parts of the existing and prospective membership of the ABA.

The new ABA Council, which was recently elected and announced, has endorsed the general thrust of the proposal and we will be working towards implementing and achieving the vision of the proposal.

As a consequence, and in the very near future, and indeed, perhaps before this letter is published, we will be appointing a fulltime person to drive the implementation process which will include the preparation of a business plan as well as establishing and managing the appropriate processes of change and communication with members. This person will also establish and play a leadership role in a membership drive and corporate sponsorship and to liaise with government stakeholders both federally and regionally.

ABA Branches are going to play an increasingly important role in the activities of the ABA as it evolves into Australia’s biotechnology industry organisation and without question all our branches have done exceedingly well this year. As an example, the Victorian branch has really hit its straps and played a valuable leadership role in networking and communicating with its stakeholders including the State Government. One of the key outcomes of the Steering Group’s proposal, is to build or strengthen the Branches so that they can achieve both the Branch as well as National objectives in the future, just as the Victorian branch has done in 2000.

As a consequence of the many various inputs into the Federal Government over the past months, including the Batterham report and the Innovation Summit, we, as a broad community are expecting the Federal Government to announce a significant and sustainable package for supporting not only the scientific base in Australia but additional measures for capturing the benefit of this research.

There is no question that Australia stands on the threshold of being a significant beneficiary of a vibrant biotechnology industry and that the measures, potentially to be announced, will make all the difference, as is happening right now in other parts of the world. I was reminded how important nations are now treating their investment in biotechnology when flying back from “BIOJapan” which was recently held in Tokyo. Most of the Asian nations were present and nearly all of them have made or are about to launch significant investment strategies in biotechnology. A summary of these is as follows: Japan will be investing an additional $US18 billion over the next five years, and the focus of the outcome will be on industry development through the creation of spin-offs and start-ups; in Taiwan, $US900 million is being targetted largely at the R&D and Venture capital sector; in Singapore, an additional US$570 million is being directed towards start-up biotechnology companies, and in Korea a US$141 million is being directed at industry development. In China there is the ambitious “Bio-valley”concept in Shenzhen. The key theme emanating through the investments mentioned above is strengthening the R&D base and directing resources to capturing the commercialisation benefits.

The message is so loud and clear that one does not need to be a “visionary” any more to see or understand what is required. What is now needed is action and implementation.

Therefore, it is essential that our government leaders match the energy and momentum of the biotechnology sector with an incentive for the industry and investors so that Australia captures the same benefits for its enterprises and citizens as our Asian neighbours by providing comparable opportunities for the industry to grow in Australia.

On another matter, and perhaps of more symbolic importance than of substance, I was asked, as President of the ABA, to Chair the National Steering Committee for the Australian presence at BIO2001. Next year, this very important biotechnology convention and exhibition will be held in San Diego, perhaps as close as it ever will be to Australia. This meeting has played a vital role in providing opportunities for promoting Australia as a place to do biotechnology. Queensland, in particular, has invested in previous BIOs and has been rewarded for its vision and leadership in capturing benefits from promoting the State as a leader in biotechnology. As much as anything this is what BIO is all about - regional promotion, as well as national promotion.

I would like to close with the thought that it would be an outstanding vote of support for Australian science and biotechnology if our Australian delegation could attend BIO 2001 with the full confidence that Australia will be one of the major players in world biotechnology this century with the Australian Federal government as a more significant investor on behalf of its citizens.

Finally, I am looking forward to working not only with our new ABA Council, all of whom are already providing considerable energy to the many activities that are being planned, but with any of you who wish to play a role and be part of the future of the Australian biotechnology industry.

Have a happy and safe Christmas with families, friends and colleagues.

Copyright 2000 - Australasian Biotechnology