On October 16, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) and the ICE Agency, released the Interim Report of the Working Group on the Internationalization of Biotech Industries. This initiative highlights Italy’s commitment to strengthening its biotechnology sector through strategic recommendations, fostering global competitiveness, and promoting collaboration across industries and research institutions.
Key Objectives and Strategic Areas
The Working Group was established to explore the internationalization of emerging biotech industries (IBE) and develop strategies that leverage Italy’s scientific expertise and industrial capabilities. The interim report identifies crucial areas of focus:
- Emerging Biotechnologies: Emphasis on precision medicine, RNA-based therapies, and sustainable bio-industrial applications.
- National Priorities: Addressing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and antimicrobial resistance while advancing biotech solutions for environmental challenges and sustainable agriculture.
- International Outreach: Launching the “Montalcini Global Biotech Tour” to promote Italian biotech at global forums and establish collaborations with leading international stakeholders.
- Special Listing for IBE: Creating an exclusive registry, the Elenco Speciale delle Imprese Biotecnologiche Emergenti (ESIBE), to identify and support innovative Italian biotech firms.
Strategic Insights from the Interim Report
- Integration with Deep Tech: The report underscores the integration of biotech with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, enhancing innovation in therapeutic and industrial applications.
- Investment and Finance: Recommendations include fostering a robust venture capital ecosystem and encouraging IPOs to retain biotech firms and their intellectual assets within Italy.
- Talent and Collaboration: A focus on attracting global talent and fostering partnerships with universities, research centers, and multinational corporations to strengthen Italy’s biotech landscape.
- Resilience and Sustainability: Highlighting biotechnologies’ role in combating climate change, restoring biodiversity, and transitioning to a circular economy.
The Path Forward
The Working Group’s four-step operational plan aims to:
- Identify health and industrial priorities of national significance.
- Pinpoint biotech innovations addressing these priorities.
- Register and support key emerging biotech firms via ESIBE.
- Enhance international promotion and R&D collaboration.
Participants and Contributors
The report highlights the significant contributions of a diverse group of experts, leaders, and institutions involved in drafting and guiding the initiative. Key participants include:
- Coordinators:
- Mauro Battocchi: Minister Plenipotentiary and Director General for the Promotion of the Country System (MAECI).
- Massimo Carnelos: Ambassador Counselor and Head of Technological Innovation and Startup Office (MAECI).
- Moderator:
- Pierluigi Paracchi: CEO and Co-Founder of Genenta Science and member of the Presidential Council of Federchimica Assobiotec.
- Scientific and Entrepreneurial Experts:
- Sergio Abrignani: Professor of Immunology and Immunopathology, University of Milan.
- Giovanni Caforio: Former Executive Chairman, Bristol Myers Squibb.
- Fabio Fava: Professor of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnologies, University of Bologna.
- Giuseppe Gigli: Director, Nanotechnology Institute, CNR-Nanotec.
- Anna Lambiase: Chair of CDP Venture Capital SGR.
- Pierluigi Petrone: Vice President of Farmaindustria and CEO of Petrone Group.
- Maria Cristina Porta: Director General, Enea Tech and Biomedical Foundation.
- Rino Rappuoli: Scientific Director, Biotecnopolo Foundation, Siena.
- Gianmario Verona: President, Human Technopole.
- Institutional Observers:
- Luca de Angelis: Director General for New Enabling Technologies (MIMIT).
- Maurizio Forte: Central Director for Export Sectors, ICE Agency.
Global Positioning and Ambitions
With support from EU initiatives and bilateral collaborations, Italy seeks to establish itself as a leader in the biotech sector. By addressing the challenges of regulatory bottlenecks and limited venture capital, Italy aims to align with the strategic technological advancements of nations like the United States and Germany.
Conclusion
The interim report sets the stage for Italy to become a global biotech hub, balancing scientific innovation with sustainable growth. The Working Group’s efforts highlight a unified vision of integrating biotech into national and global economic strategies. The final report, expected by year-end, will further elaborate on actionable steps to realize these ambitious goals.
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