Bioeconomy strategy funds
In the frame of the bioeconomy strategy funds are increasing. The development of the
bioeconomy strategy was led by the BMBF; other ministries participated, the BMEL e.g. Is
responsible for the political bioeconomy strategy. Currently, an interministerial working
group on bioeconomy is supposed to safeguard a common strategy approach.
Generally,BMBF and BMEL harmonize their calls for proposals. BMEL issues calls for proposals on
specific topics and understands its funding as contract research with a strong result-
orientation. ‘It is not a funding but a problem solving ministry’ (BMEL, Interview). BMBF
funding is more oriented towards basic research and issues more fundamental research
questions.
As a result interviewees feel that BMBF research is freer to undertake future
oriented, i.e. Long term research while BMEL research is facing more public awareness and
thus funds more mainstream research. ‘If research on genetic engineering is publicly
written off, as it currently is, there will be zero BMEL funding’ (interviewee, non-ministry).
In addition ministries at Länder level issue calls on agricultural topics. Although all of these
calls are problem oriented it becomes obvious that subjects are influenced by the political
affiliation of the ministry: If the Green Party is part of the government calls are ‘greener’.
While in general ministry-related interviewees feel that there is a working inter-ministerial
exchange and a working coordination process at different political levels, other
interviewees have the impression of a low degree of coordination. The limitations of the
internet platform FISA online as a coordinating instrument has already been discussed .
EU Forecast
euf:ba18h:47/nws-01