The initiative aims to address concrete opportunities and systemic challenges related to future food and material production.

The meeting was moderated by Professor Lars J. Nilsson from LundUniversity, also a member of the European Scientific Advisory Board on ClimateChange (ESABCC). It was jointly arranged by Biotech Heights, Alliance for Biosolutions, Teknologisk Institut, and IKEM – Innovations- och kemiindustrierna i Sverige.

A Platform for StructuredDialogue

The roundtable focused on three key areas:

1. Stimulating collaboration, both between Swedish and Danish actors and through targeted national and cross-border initiatives.
2. Identifying  conditions for a more dynamic and functional biosolutions industry, including cross-sector collaboration, regulatory support, and knowledge sharing.
3. Exploring EU-level  influence, including how upcoming frameworks – such as the EU Biotech Act and the EU Biotechnology Hub – could support science-based     development in biotech.

‍

The participants emphasized the need for measurable impacts and evidence-based innovation – particularly in areas where biotech can contribute to more resource-efficient production methods and materials with a lower environmental footprint.

Highlighting Strategic Investments

After the roundtable, attendees visited two institutions that exemplify large-scale investment in research and applied science:

• European Spallation Source (ESS) – The group was invited behind the scenes at ESS, one of Europe's largest science infrastructure projects. ESS is a joint investment by 13 countries, developed to support advanced materials research.
• Tetra Pak – The group also visited Tetra Pak’s innovation center, gaining insights into how process and packaging solutions are evolving to meet market demands while aligning  with emerging regulatory and sustainability frameworks.

‍

A First Step Toward DeeperCollaboration

This meeting served as an initial step in a longer process to align national strengths, identify concrete biotech applications, and inform future policy with real-world expertise. With Denmark taking over the EU CouncilPresidency in July 2025, the discussions underscored the importance of proactive, transparent engagement with EU institutions.

Biotechnology – supported by digital tools and AI – is increasingly seen asa strategic area for Europe. The outcomes of this roundtable will contribute to positioning the Nordic region as a credible and constructive voice in shaping the future of the biotech sector, particularly within food and materials.

Many thanks to all participants: Nicolaj Christoffersen, Pernille Rype Elley, Anne Lerche, Lars Friberg, Marie Sandin, Cecilia Hansson, Edvard Hall, Kim Olofsson, Mette Damgaard Nielsen, Lena Svendsen, Helene Derand, Henrik Busch-Larsen, Lena de Maré, Josefin Ahlqvist, and Lars J. Nilsson.

‍