Opportunities: ‘Green Life Sciences Hub’
24 October 2011
Naktuinbouw is a participant in the ‘Green Life Sciences Hub’ plan. The aim of the project is to accelerate the speed at which the latest scientific (DNA) techniques are made available to the business sector, thereby boosting the competitive power of Dutch breeding companies so they can retain their leading global position.
Since the autumn of 2010, local and regional authorities, knowledge institutes and businesses have been collaborating under the name of the Economic Development Board (EDBA) for the metropolitan region of Amsterdam with the purpose of strengthening the international competitiveness of the region. The EDBA has designated seven important and promising economic clusters, including Flowers & Food.
Green Life Sciences Hub
On request of the EDBA, the core group Flowers has proposed five projects that are in line with its strategic vision, including the ‘Green Life Sciences Hub’ project plan. This plan was compiled by the University of Amsterdam, the Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam and Naktuinbouw. Companies active in breeding are involved in the project through co-operation with Blooming Breeders, Seed Valley and Plantum NL.
Better competitive position
The ‘Green Life Sciences Hub’ encompasses aspects that include an innovation desk, training students in the latest techniques, applied research and forensic botany research used to identify plant varieties and diseases using DNA techniques and determining the origin of propagating material. Collaborating with the University of Amsterdam offers Naktuinbouw the chance to further develop the current forensic research (Variety Tracer and Pathogen Tracer) and apply the very latest scientific insights. ‘Green Life Sciences Hub’ will accelerate the speed at which the latest scientific (DNA) techniques are made available to the business sector thereby boosting the competitive power of Dutch breeding companies so they can retain their leading global position.
Decision EDBA
In the course of the year, a fully detailed plan for the ‘Green Life Sciences Hub’ will be drawn up. Naktuinbouw will be responsible for coordinating the ‘Green Forensics’ section. The EDBA will assess the plan at the end of the year.
