Session 2: Aligning Science and Innovation with Global Challenges and Bioeconomy needs - skills for scientists Josef Glössl University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria (BOKU University, Vienna) Conference NEW SKILLS FOR A EUROPEAN BIOECONOMY November 2012, Brussels

How to align science and innovation activities to address global challenges? 2 Global Challenges: e.g.  Sustainable management of natural resources  Sustainable production  Improving public health  Mitigating climate change  etc. Important to consider:  Environmental concerns and sustainability are not just a burden for economy, but can be a source of growth and new jobs.  Education, science and innovation as key drivers for a knowledge- based bio-economy  Important role of universities for the development of new skills

3 Interlinking Natural Sciences, Technology & Socio-Economics: BOKU University – Themes and Competences Development of the Living Space Securing Nutrition and Health Management of Natural Resources Soil and terrestrial ecosystems Nanosciences & - technology Biotechnology Food – nutrition - health Renewable raw materials, resources oriented technologies Living space and landscape Water – Atmosphere - Environment Resources and societal dynamics

How to align science and innovation activities to address global challenges?  Role of universities 4  Education  Involvement of stakeholders in curriculum development  Research  Excellent fundamental research as a key driver for innovation  Knowledge and technology transfer  Innovation  Inclusion of business skills in curricula  IP (Intellectual Property) strategies at universities  Internationalization:  Development of the university beyond its national boundaries  In its region and globally  Strengthening the development of international cooperative networks with both European and non-European countries (especially in the field of development assistance)  Cooperation with international organisations (e.g. UN, FAO, IIASA)

High Potential of Bioeconomy in the Danube Region: 5 The Danube Region:  20% of the area of the EU  115 Mill people living in the region  3 Mill. students!!!  The Danube region is one of the regions in Europe with the highest potential for further economic development  Biomass production could be increased by app. 30% in a sustainable way

6 What can science, research and academia do?  Synergetic effects within and between the Danube Region universities have to be strengthened   Establishing firm long-term co-operations based on the never completely cut links in academia in the region  Development of higher eduction institutions  Improve the technological basis for economic development  Aiming at improving scientific infrastructure and chances for young scientists   fighting the brain drain  brain circulation

An example: ICA Regional Network for Central and South Eastern Europe (“ICA-CASEE”) 7  Is a network of Central and South Eastern European Higher Education Institutions relating to the Life Science disciplines (agriculture, food, biotechnology, natural resources, rural development and the environment)  Was founded by BOKU University, Vienna, in 2010  The objectives of network are:  to support the development and implementation of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR)  to strengthen research, education and University Development in this region  to develop joint research, educational and other projects

ICA-CASEE Geographical Coverage

9 Reasons for creating the ICA-CASEE network  Enormous challenges for university development  Bologna process  Excellence in research, education and university management (increasing competition between higher education institutions!)  Specific challenges for life science universities to develop the basis for the future development of mankind  Bioeconomy  Food and water security, environmental protection  Sustainable use of natural resources (soil, bioresources, water,..)  Development of high-end technological methods in biotechnology (biorefinery, renewable energy,....)  Landscape development; urban and landscape planning  And many more.....

10 Joint educational activities in the ICA- CASEE network: „Danube Master“  Establishing a common master curriculum on “Sustainability of Agriculture, Food production and Food Technology in the Danube Region”  Consortium of 5-6 life science universities in the Danube region  The curriculum will cover topics important for the further development of the region with respect to agriculture and the complete value chain.  Students will stay at least at two different universities and countries  to learn more about regional challenges  to foster the cultural understanding.

11 Specific knowledge and skills stimulated in the „Danube Master“ Focus areas:  Intercultural Learning  Sustainable Rural and Regional Development Policy  Food Safety, Food Technology and Food Quality and Consumer Sciences  Biodiversity, Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Sustainable Agriculture  Soil and Water  Biotechnology  Regional Specialities  Sustainable Energy Systems

DRC – Danube Rectors Conference 12  Established in 1983  Members: 54 higher education institutions from 13 countries  General aims:  improvement of higher education in teaching and research in the region  advancement of member universities by establishing and facilitating bilateral and multilateral contacts between the universities  DRC Presidency changes annually  Annual DRC Conference:  Nov. 2011: at BOKU, Vienna  Nov. 2012: at CULS, Prague  Involvement in the Priority Area working groups of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region

 The CDR is a multi-disciplinary scientific unit located at BOKU, founded 2009  It brings together a multidisciplinary network of over twenty scientists from BOKU  The CDR engages in national and international networks such as the AGRINATURA (The European Alliance on Agricultural Knowledge for Development) and the Commission for Development Studies (KEF)  The CDR collaborates with a wide range of partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America  It conducts applied development research and training in areas related to sustainable natural resource management.  The CDR works towards poverty reduction, food security, and well- being for the most vulnerable population CDR - Centre for Development Research at BOKU University 13

General Conclusions: 14 The development of a European Bioeconomy requires new science policies and important new skills, fostering:  Integrated approaches of research, education and co-operation Academia - Industry  innovation process  Complementary partnerships between universities, research centres, …  joint curricula  Inter- and multidsiciplinary approaches  …..  Knowledge and technology transfer  Development of sustainability as a big chance for economic development:  Multidisciplinary integration of traditional approaches with high- end (bio)technologies is a key issue in the development of a European Bioeconomy  Public awareness, communication science – society

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (BOKU) University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION! Prof. Dr. Josef Glössl Vice Rector for Research and International Research Collaboration