ECFR Policy Brief: Biomanufacturing as Strategic Technology for Europe (ecfr.eu)

• China spends €2-3bn/year on biotech R&D and holds 70% of global fermentation capacity.
• Europe has a €60bn biosolutions sector but suffers from regulatory delays and infrastructure gaps.
• ECFR recommends treating biomanufacturing as strategic, leveraging defence spending and international partnerships.

"Biomanufacturing uses engineered microbes to produce fuels, chemicals, food, and materials, potentially replacing fossil-based production. China is investing heavily (€2-3bn/year) and already holds 70% of global fermentation capacity. Europe leads in patents and research but lacks infrastructure and faces regulatory delays. The ECFR brief argues Europe must treat biomanufacturing as a strategic priority to avoid repeating past mistakes with solar and batteries. Key recommendations include faster permitting, patient capital, partnerships with UK, Japan, India, and leveraging defence spending for dual-use biotech."