Biopolymer Workshop Mauritius 2013

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Biopolymer Workshop mAUriTiUs 2013 Harnessing the power of biopolymers for improving human wellbeing and enhancing global competitiveness Set ting up of a Bio - based Industr y in Mauritius Mauritius, May 8 -10, 2013


contents

The Biopolymer Workshops Approach

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GLOBAL BIOPOLYMER NETWORK PARTNERS

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BIOPOLYMERS AND BIOMATERIALS

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SETTING-UP OF A BIO-BASED INDUSTRY IN MAURITIUS

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COMMON MARKET FOR EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (COMESA)

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PROGRAMME 12 WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

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WELCOME ADDRESSES

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INNOVATION POLICY

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INNOVATION PLATFORM FOR STAKEHOLDERS

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KNOWLEDGE FOR GROWTH

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PROJECT IDEAS

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OUTCOMES 21 WRAP UP

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THE PEOPLE

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PARTICIPANTS 26 BIOPOLYMER WORKSHOPs IN THE MEDIA

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Center of Excellence for Polymer Materials and Technologies, CE PoliMaT

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The Biopolymer Workshops Approach • Joint initiative of the Global Biopolymer Network • Focus on a new generation of young scientists and engineers • Interface with science, industry

Principal organizers: CE PoliMaT; CBBR, University of Mauritius; COMESA Edited by: Maja Berden Zrimec

and policy • Formation of project ideas

Prepared by: Alexis Zrimec, Archana Bhaw-Luximon

addressing specific local

Graphic design and layout by: Alenka Paveo, www.paveo.si

needs

Photographs (on pages from 6 to 8 and from 15 to 27) by: Ronald Begue All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the Center of Excellence PoliMaT. Published in 2013 by CE PoliMaT, Tehnološki park 24, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia ©CE PoliMaT Issued by: CE PoliMaT, Tehnološki park 24, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia CBBR, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius VDI/VDE-IT, Steinplatz 1, D-10623 Berlin, Germany PCCL, Roseggerstraße 12, A-8700 Leoben, Austria

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• Sharing state-of-the-art biopolymer knowledge • Formation of multi-disciplinary teams working on concrete topics • Involvement of international and local mentors for student orientation


About the Approach

The Biopolymer Workshops Approach

B

iopolymer workshops bring

issues and to create roadmaps to

experts from the Global

solutions. Through lectures, case

Biopolymer Network to local

studies, panel discussions, and intensive

environments and integrate

group work, Biopolymer workshops

them with local R&D and

lead to outlined collaborative project

industrial competencies by initiating

ideas that address specific needs of

collaboration and partnerships.

different industrial, social and consumer segments, and a clear action plan

By participating in the Workshops,

for further development into well-

universities, government officials,

defined project proposals. In addition,

industry representatives, and the

dedicated international teams that

interested public as the Workshops’ key

make up the core of future partnerships

actors fuel innovations and establish

and collaborative projects are formed.

usable framework conditions. Biopolymer workshops are applicable Teams of international and local

in the areas of sustainable

mentors work with Biopolymer

development and climate change,

workshop participants to identify

agriculture, health, clean water, waste

challenges, value chains, addressable

management, and renewable energy,

technological problems, and policy

just to name a few.

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ABoUt the PARtneRs

global Network for local growth

t

tHE AuStEN BIOINNOVAtION INtItutE IN AkrON (ABIA), is an ohio based center of excellence for Biomedicine and healthcare, the future home of the ohio hub of Innovation and opportunity for

he Global Biopolymer network

Biomaterials commercialization.

works to change the culture

Along with its founding member, the

of innovation in the fi eld of

University of Akron, it is the winner

biopolymers. Focusing also on

of the prestigious Us Department of

developing countries, the network

commerce’s 6th national Innovation

serves to promote radical innovations through novel applications in diverse environments. As an enabling and transformative technology, biopolymer-

challenge. ABIA is focused on patient-centered innovation and commercialization. http://www.abiakron.org/

based platforms can be drivers of new value-chains, new industries, and new employment opportunities.

tHE glOBAl BIOPOlyMEr NEtWOrk • Represents an excellencedriven international science and technology partnership committed to tackle health and environmental challenges in developing countries • Innovates by pursuing new forms of international collaboration involving networks of research institutes, universities, and industry in shaping science and technology diplomacy among nations

HkS - tHE SCIENCE, tECHNOlOgy AND glOBAlIZAtION PrOJECt At tHE HArVArD kENNEDy SCHOOl the aim of the science, technology and Globalization project (stG) is to undertake research, conduct training, provide policy advice, and disseminate information on

• Builds upon the strengths of

interactions between technological

participating entities with a

innovation and globalization, with a

focus on real-world problems

particular emphasis on implications

that can be addressed through

for developing countries.

applications of advanced biopolymer materials

http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/ project/39/science_technology_and_ globalization.html

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ABoUt the PARtneRs

GloBAl Biopolymer NeTWork pArTNers http://en.polimat.si/

tHE POlyMEr COMPEtENCE CENtEr lEOBEN gMBH (PCCl) is the leading Austrian “center of excellence� for cooperative research in the area of JOMO kENyAttA uNIVErSIty Of VDI/VDE-It is a leading service provider in questions concerning the entire field of innovation and technology. It provides assistance and counseling for the analysis, funding and organization of innovation and technology; it offers customized solutions for every step in the innovation process; it is an independent and well-established enterprise with 35 years

AgrICulturE AND tECHNOlOgy (JkuAt) is a public university in nairobi, Kenya. It has a pivotal role to play in the achievement of national development goals and beyond by hosting the Pan African University Institute of Basic science, technology and Innovation (stI) and the African Institute for capacity Development

polymer engineering and sciences. In close cooperation with its scientific partners at four universities, its 90 highly qualified employees are active in a wide field of applications for plastics ranging from the automotive and aircraft, to the packaging, solar and photovoltaic industries. By linking scientific knowledge to the industrial need for innovation, PccL

(AIcAD).

contributes to the

http://www.jkuat.ac.ke/

industrial partners.

competitiveness of its

http://www.pccl.at/en/

of experience. http://www.vdivde-it.de/

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introduction

BIOPOLYMERS AND BIOMATERIALS A New Innovation Platform for Africa’s Development

T Mateja Dermastia CEO of CE PoliMaT

echnological advancements

an initiative to support development of

and the ability to innovate have

a biopolymers and biomaterials cluster

become ever more crucial in

in 2011 as part of a science, technology

the quest for competitiveness

and innovation program. Creative use

and productivity in today’s

of biopolymers and biomaterials can

global economy. Innovation-driven by

help to empower COMESA countries to

talented scientists and engineers is one

utilize their rich agricultural resources to

of the key engines of economic growth,

foster green growth strategies and that

job creation, new business formation

offer solutions for challenges such as

and the well being of society. This is

sustainable agriculture, health, water,

especially true for countries with a long-

energy and environmental management.

term dependence on exports of limited

COMESA countries have abundant

natural resources, conventional industrial

natural resources but insufficient supply

processes, and climate-challenged

of human capital and expertise to fully

agriculture.

utilize the resources using emerging technologies.

African countries have been slow to take advantage of their natural

In June 2012, the Science, Technology,

resources partly because of their limited

Globalization Project at Harvard Kennedy

access to platform technologies that

School and CE PoliMaT of Slovenia

have broad applications. The power

hosted the “International Conference on

over such technologies is currently

Technology and Innovation for Global

being demonstrated by the pervasive

Development: Schumpeter and Polymer

economic impact of information and

Research”. The conference noted that

communications technologies. An

relying on local resources for innovation

emerging platform technology of

is no longer a sufficient strategy for rapid

relevance to Africa is biopolymers

economic transformation. It called on

and biomaterials.

emerging economies to leverage the power of biopolymers for development

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The Common Market for Eastern and

through new forms of international

Southern African (COMESA) launched

science and technology collaboration.


introduction

“ Creative use of biopolymers and biomaterials can help to empower COMESA countries to utilize their rich agricultural resources to foster green growth strategies and to offer solutions for challenges such as sustainable agriculture, health, water, energy and environmental management.”

A Global Biopolymer Network (GBN) is

private sector. Such networks are part

emerging under the leadership of CE

of the emerging field of science and

PoliMaT to bring together global scientific

technology diplomacy.

and technological know-how as well as young talents from African countries. The

The second African biopolymer workshop,

network includes: CE PoliMaT (Slovenia),

“Setting-up of a Bio-based Industry in

the Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron

Mauritius”, was held in May 2013 at the

(USA); Harvard School of Engineering

African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics

and Applied Sciences; Harvard Kennedy

Innovation (ANDI) Center of Excellence

School (Cambridge, USA); Jomo Kenyatta

for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research

University of Agriculture and Technology

(CBBR) of the University of Mauritius.

–JKUAT (Nairobi, Kenya); VDI/VDE

COMESA supported the workshop. The

Innovation (Berlin, Germany); and PCCL

workshop stressed the need to strengthen

(Leoben, Austria). The network builds on

national innovation systems. It noted

the strengths of participating institutions

that new policy tools were needed to

and companies with a focus on

unlock the potential of biopolymers and

problem-solving.

nanotechnology in supporting key sectors of the Mauritian economy. The workshop

As a follow-up to the 2012 Harvard

concluded that more coordinated

Kennedy School conference, the first

action at the COMESA level was needed

African workshop on biopolymers was

to support the transfer of biopolymer

held on January 2013 at the JKUAT,

knowledge into goods and services for

a node of the Pan-African University

economic development and global

responsible for basic sciences,

competitiveness.

technology and innovation. The goal of the workshop was to establish a

The next steps will involve concerted

frontier biopolymer research program

leadership to translate the ideas arising

for the African continent. The workshop

from these workshops into specific

stressed the critical role of building new

program activities driven by COMESA

international networks involving research

member states as well as other relevant

institutes, national universities, and the

regional and international institutions.

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About CBBR

SETTING-UP OF A BIO-BASED INDUSTRY IN MAURITIUS

A Dhanjay Jhurry CSK – National Research Chair (NIS) and Head CBBR

s Mauritius endeavours

The Workshop has attracted about

to develop new pillars of

100 participants not only from public

its economy fuelled by

institutions, parastatals, private

knowledge and innovation,

companies and research institutions

be it the ocean economy,

at the local level but also from various

the medical hub, the education hub or

COMESA member states – Kenya, Malawi,

the biotech/biomedical industry, the

Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

importance of a National Innovation

- and all have contributed actively

System becomes crucial. In that NIS, in

through round tables or participation

addition to Government and Private sector’s contributions, research institutions and researchers have a key role to play in helping in the organization of a knowledge economy. It is in that spirit that CBBR (ANDI Centre of Excellence for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research) has liaised with the Center of Excellence for Polymer Materials and Technologies (CE PoliMaT) and the Global Biopolymer Network for setting the goals and structure of the workshop ‘Setting-up of a Bio-based Industry in Mauritius’ that was then successfully organized on 8-10 May 2013 at the Bonâme Hall, Mauritius SugarCane Industry Research Institute. The technical support of CE PoliMaT and the

FOR BIOMEDICAL AND BIOMATERIALS RESEARCH (CBBR) focuses on research in the areas of advanced polymer materials, biomaterials and nano-drug delivery as well as on the development of value-added products from indigenous land and marine resources and their biological potential for the prevention of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Through its well established regional and international linkages and network, CBBR positions itself as a bridge between University and Industry, a first of its kind in Mauritius.

Global Biopolymer Network was crucial

CBBR was designated as a COMESA

in mounting the Workshop programme,

Center of Excellence in biomedical

contributing to lectures and acting as

research in 2013.

mentors for group discussion.

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ANDI Center of Excellence


About CBBR

“ As Mauritius endeavours to develop new pillars of its economy fuelled by knowledge and innovation, the importance of a National Innovation System becomes crucial.�

in group discussion in identifying areas

institutions are currently underway for the

and projects to set the base for the Bio-

implementation of the projects. Moreover,

industry in Mauritius.

two international research collaborations have been signed with CE PoliMat and

It is important also to stress on the

Harvard University engaging researchers

regional dimension of the Workshop.

and postgraduate students.

By spearheading the Bio-industry, Mauritius can be a model for other

We are most grateful to the European

African countries. The support and

Union, the Ministry of Finance and

encouragement of the COMESA

Economic Development, the Ministry of

secretariat is gratefully acknowledged.

Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology, the Mauritius Research

This Workshop is not an end in itself but the

Council and 8 private companies for their

beginning of a long journey. Discussions

financial support. We are also indebted to

with Ministries, private sector and research

the MSIRI for their logistic support.

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ABoUt coMesA

commoN mArkeT For eAsTerN AND soUTherN AFricA (comesA)

t

his workshop is one of the very many steps that will be taken

COMMON MArkEt fOr EAStErN

towards implementing the

AND SOutHErN AfrICA (COMESA)

coMesA stI (science, technology and Innovation) strategic priority

on creating a regional Bio/Polymer and new Materials cluster Platform. the Ministers responsible for stI identifi ed

fred kongongo head of regional science, technology and Innovation programme the secretariat of the common market for eastern and southern Africa

biopolymers and nanotechnology as some of the technologies that Africa can use to leap frog in technological advancement.

nineteen member states stretching from Libya to Zimbabwe and is one of the pillars of the African economic community. In 2008, coMesA agreed to an expanded free-trade zone including members of two other African trade blocs, the

In addition, they designated several

east African community (eAc) and

regional centers of excellence, the AnDI

the southern Africa Development

centre of excellence for Biomedical and

community (sADc).

Biomaterials Research being one of them. stI for development requires political leadership, policy coherence and coordination. the fundamental institutional reform needed cannot be driven by sectorial Ministries of science, technology and education alone. that is why it was recommended that there should be an

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coMesA is a free trade area with

coMesA Member states recognize the importance of science and technology in socioeconomic and cultural development and have agreed to cooperate in various fi elds as stated in the decision of the 2010 coMesA summit on science and technology Development. the need for concrete projects

office of technology advisor to presidents

that will deliver tangible results for

and prime ministers in all coMesA Member

the region is the greatest priority,

states. the Republic of Mauritius might

while mainstreaming science

lead the rest of the coMesA countries in

and technology in all coMesA

implementing this decision.

programmes.


ABoUt coMesA

“this workshop is one of the very many steps that will be taken towards implementing the COMESA StI (Science, technology and Innovation) strategic priority on creating a regional Bio/Polymer and New Materials Cluster Platform.�

Academic institutions, sMes and generally the private sector hold the key to the adoption of technology for industrial and trade development in Africa. the stI reform agenda for Africa and the coMesA region in particular is therefore pressing. In science and engineering, for instance, equipment and materials are expensive. to make the most of what is available, a creative approach is required. For example, universities in one country can consider creating a national innovation center that can be used to attract public and private funding for research and innovation. these centers can be used to foster regional collaboration between coMesA member states to ensure that limited human and scientifi c resources we have in the region are optimally deployed for the development of the region. the good news is that coMesA treaty already provides for cooperation and promotion of science and technology among our Member states. however, what has been lacking is the implementation of the provisions of the treaty. It is

current members

time we follow through our pronouncements with

Former members

action plans to implement the decisions agreed

Map of Africa indicating coMesA membership

upon for the realization of the common goal of the region which is better livelihood for the people.

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ABOUT THE AGENDA

PROGRAMME

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

Wednesday, May 8

Overall objective:

Increasing R&D Impact

To develop and improve the framework conditions to unlock the potential of using (bio)polymers

VIP Workshop: • Turning Inventions into Innovations Keynote Lectures

and nanotechnology in various key sectors of the Mauritian economy as well as assisting in the development of a bio-based industry in Mauritius as

Thursday, May 9

a new pillar of its economy.

Science with a Mission

Specific objectives:

• Science Trends in Biopolymer Research Applications

• Introducing policy trends for setting up

• Environment Centers of Excellence - Management of Excellence and Key Success Factors

framework conditions to increase the innovation and competitiveness of a bio-based industry in Mauritius • Identification of local needs that can be

• Value Creation Centers of Excellence - Driver to Turn Inventions into Innovations

addressed by international science &

• Plenary Discussion Local Needs that can be Addressed with Biopolymers

involving stakeholders along the value chain

• Group Formation Groups for Identified Focus Areas

technology expertise – by formation of international and interdisciplinary teams,

• Development of outlines for a national technology transfer approach, and identifying particular technology transfer opportunities • Reviewing R&D and engineering capacities to identify training and instrumental needs for

Friday, May 10

upgrading existing technologies and industries

Walk the Talk

• Discussing research projects and identifying

Policy Workshop

Group Work

research collaborations with CE PoliMaT and

• Benchmarking of Centers of Excellence

• Collaborative R&D and Industrial Projects on Focus Areas

partners from the Global Biopolymer Network,

• Regional Biopolymer Network Wrap-up

• Presentation of Project Ideas and Roadmaps Agreement on Follow-up Measures

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focusing on adding value to Mauritian bioresources for (bio)polymer production, R&D and industrial capacities • Coaching of policy makers and other stakeholders for improving framework conditions • Building public-private partnerships


Welcome Addresses

WELCOME ADDRESSES Ms. Mateja Dermastia, CEO of CE PoliMaT “Leveraging the power of frontier polymer research to address global challenges in the fields such as agriculture, health, water, and environmental management requires a radical change in the relationship between industry and top science and an increase of research and development capacities on the global level.”

Prof. Dhanjay Jhurry, CSK – National Research Chair and Head CBBR “The development of a biobased industry could give us some competitive edge, be it in the biomedical sector, in the use of advanced biotechnology in agriculture, in the development of high value bio-based products, or in the combination of biopolymers and nanotechnology.”

Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, Director of Mauritius Research Council

Mr. Andrew Slome, Honorary Consul of Republic of Slovenia

“The MRC Board was most enthusiastic about funding the proposal to organize the Bioworkshop, as it is about innovation and linking research with the economy. That’s what Mauritius needs.”

“New diplomatic leadership on using science and technology to solve global challenges is starting to emerge from smaller nations working closely with developing country partners.”

Dr. Satish Ramchurn, Dean of Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius “This Workshop is important for Mauritius, as it aims at the transformation of knowledge gained through research into wealth creation through setting-up a new industry as a pillar of the Mauritian economy, in line with Government policies.”

Mr. Fred Kongongo, COMESA “The Ministers responsible for STI identified biopolymers and nanotechnology as some of the technologies that Africa can use to leap frog in its technological advancement.”

Honorable Dr. Rajesh Jeetah, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology “I look forward to the Workshop recommendations to help Mauritius pave the way forward.”

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Increasing R&D Impact

INNOVATION POLICY Turning inventions into innovations Innovation policy has to address three key areas: education, innovation, and research. The nature of innovation is continuously changing and it will have a significant impact on industry and academia. Consequently, all actors of the triple helix – industry, academia, and policy – have to better cooperate in the future in order to design new tools to promote innovations. Policy makers can stimulate innovation through fiscal and regulatory measures, institutional support, program support, and funding innovations.

The VIP workshop addressed the policy trends for setting up a bio-based industry in Mauritius and a new approach on how to increase innovation and the competitiveness of Mauritian industry. Around 100 participants came from the ministries, multilateral agencies, commissions, institutes, universities, science and training centers, standards bureau, hospitals, governmental organizations, and industry.

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Gerd Meier zu Köcker

“ The Workshop has shown the huge potential of biopolymer applications for many sectors in Mauritius. The strong research basis and dedicated commitment of policy makers will help to turn these potentials into competitive products.” — Gerd Meier zu Köcker, VDI/VDE-IT, Head of Section International Technology Transfer, Clusters


Increasing R&D Impact

Innovation Policy Issues – Management of Centers of Excellence

Martin Payer The PCCL experience – Success factors in science-industry cooperation PCCL acts as a link bridging the gap between basic research and competitive industrial research & development. PCCL is involved in training and developing the career prospects of its junior researchers and integrates them into projects that may lead to their retainment in industry as well as in academic programs.

Centers of Excellence (CE) can provide a much greater impact on a sector or region’s ability to innovate when managed in an excellent way. CE management can be improved using benchmarking, which is considered a promising tool to initiate mutual learning based on peerreviews and self-assessments.

Representatives from Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Malawi presented their innovation “environment”, intellectual property policy, regional cooperation, and fields of biopolymer applications.

Regional Biopolymer Network The COMESA Secretariat launched the COMESA Innovation Council in April 2013. The Innovation Council among other things will create an opportunity for the COMESA Secretariat and COMESA Member States to get structured advice on how best to harness existing knowledge & technologies for the development of the region. COMESA Member States will make use of the expertise of the COMESA Innovation Council to create National Innovation Councils to enhance STI collaboration within and outside the region.

Fred Kongongo

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Science with a Mission

INNOVATION PLATFORM FOR STAKEHOLDERS Andrej Kr탑an: Current Trends in Biopolymers

Knowledge on current trends is the basis for identifying local needs that can be solved with biopolymers. Africa has an enormous untapped potential to set-up and exploit bioresources from their local agricultural products. In the case of Mauritius, sugar could be converted into value-added products.

Sujata Bhatia: Medical Devices and Biomaterials for Mauritius

Biopolymer science and technology relevant to local bioresources and capacities Leveraging the power of cutting-edge biopolymer knowledge to address global challenges requires international scientific and technology collaboration. GBN brings an excellencedriven international science and technology partnership committed to tackle challenges into developing countries. New value chains, new industries, and new employment opportunities can be driven by the biopolymer-based platforms as enabling and transformative technology.

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Biomedical engineers are always searching for novel materials for biomedical devices which are compatible with the human body. Thus it is very important for developing countries to look at the resources that they already possess to develop their own medical technology. Bio-based polymers such as corn-derivatives, soybean fibres, bamboo viscose fibres, and alginate microspheres offer many advancements and are biocompatible.


Science with a Mission

Majda Žigon:

Zorica Crnjak Orel:

Characterization of Complex Macromolecules

Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites

Characterization techniques essential for the detailed analysis of polymers are a key component before any commercial application. Especially useful is combining different techniques for the characterization of complex macromolecules to quantify several polymers’ features.

ZnO is a semiconductor, catalyst, effective UV absorber, and a bactericidal agent. It has versatile uses in protection against radiation, for example as coatings in the building industry. Potential uses of ZnO nanocomposites are in paint, especially for clinical spaces given the bactericidal nature of ZnO, window coatings and textile coatings for personal UV protection.

Identification of local challenges

Gernot Oreski: Ageing, Stabilization and Testing of Biopolymers

Chemical aging involves changes in chemical composition or molecular weight or structure that are irreversible. It affects mechanical, thermomechanical, thermal and optical properties. The induction of the aging process could potentially be delayed or manipulated to fit the polymer application.

Research needs Biorelated research in Mauritius is mainly in the field of novel polymers for

Universities, government, industry,

use as scaffolds in tissue

and the engaged community

engineering, the use of

are key actors when it comes to

polysaccharides extracted

initiating innovations and setting

from locally available

suitable framework conditions.

seaweeds for controlled drug

Close cooperation and common

delivery applications, and

understanding among these groups is of critical importance. They have to jointly design new

the valorization of sucrose Dhanjay Jhurry

through the development of advanced materials.

tools to promote innovations.

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Science with a Mission

“ The Workshop impressively demonstrated the potential of industry-science cooperation in such innovative fields as (bio)polymers. By combining the regional competences on the one hand and the Global Biopolymer Network on the other, very promising perspectives in international R&Dcooperation are arising.” — Martin Payer

Industrial and institutional needs were discussed by stakeholders in a plenary discussion about “Local needs that can be addressed with biopolymers”. The panelists came from public institutions (Joint Economic Council), private companies (GML, Mauvilac Chemicals Ltd), government (Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection), the University of Mauritius, and research institutions (Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute).

Focus areas for international innovation collaboration Local challenges can only be addressed with the involvement of local stakeholders, industry, and R&D interacting with global scientific and technical knowledge. The integration of local interests, capacity, and expertise with the competitive advantage provided by the Global

Three main needs have been identified for

Biopolymer Network, is achieved by

“Setting-up of a Bio-Based Industry in Mauritius”:

forming mentor teams for identifying

1. Identification of market needs

focus areas for international innovation

2. Establishing an innovation policy 3. Establishing a framework to bring all stakeholders onto the same platform

collaboration. They have the goal of initiating interdisciplinary teams and project ideas to transform local challenges into opportunities for local growth.

Focus areas identified in the Mauritius Biopolymer workshop: • Innovation Policy Issues • Biopolymers in Health and Environment • Value-added Bioresource Use • Education and Capacity Building

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Walk the Talk

KNOWLEDGE FOR GROWTH “ I knew once I found a problem, I could solve it. The biggest challenge for me was which problem to solve.� — Max Imran

Developing a statement of need The statement of need establishes a focus and rationale for the team and project. The statement must be concise and actionable, and it should define the need/problem, identify the target population or the market (industrial, social, consumer segments), and justify its urgency.

is to provide insight into the relevance, value and implementation feasibility of the project initiatives; each group prepares a joint Project Idea. Applying Value driven principles in searching for the right solution Value-driven engineering is an approach to innovation that follows the core principles: assurance of quality, utility with the quality of life and economic needs of the end user in

Approach for addressing the need Building a team Identification of local needs is addressed by international scientific and technological expertise offered by GBN experts in cooperation with local mentors to form international and interdisciplinary teams, involving stakeholders along the value chain. Teams are built around the selected focus areas, preparing concise statements of needs, goals to reach the solution, and the value for stakeholders, depending on their available competencies and capacities. The role of local and international experts is to provide scientific and technological guidance, while the role of industry and other stakeholders

mind, reduced complexity for the end user, and demonstrated savings to the buyer.

Roadmap to solution Through lectures, case studies, discussions, and intensive group work, participants identify challenges, value chains, technological problems and policy issues that address the identified needs. With the help of mentor teams, they consequently create roadmaps to their solutions. The results are collaborative project ideas that address identified needs as well as clear action plans for further development into well-defined project proposals. The core of future partnerships and collaborative projects are dedicated international teams that are formed during the Workshop.

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Walk the Talk

PROJECT IDEAS Encapsulation of biopesticides and biofertilizers

Towards the setting up of a bioplastic industry in Mauritius

Education and Capacity

Mentors: Theeshan Bahorun

Mentors: Asha Dookun-

Mentor: Gernot Oreski (PCCL)

(CBBR), Archana Bhaw-

Saumtally (MSIRI), Zorica

Luximon (CBBR) , Majda

Crnjak Orel (CE PoliMaT),

Žigon (CE PoliMaT)

Andrej Kržan (CE PoliMaT,

Focus area: Biopolymers in health and environment Team mission: Innovative

NIC) Focus area: Value-added bioresource use

alternative products for

Team mission: Improvements

improving food security

in industrial utilization of local

and reducing health and

bioresources

environmental hazards Challenges: • Health concern: Rising

incidence of diseases (cancer) linked to synthetic pesticides abuse, rising costs of public healthcare • Environmental concern:

Eco-friendly island state (MID concept) • Emergence of innovative

SMEs

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Need: Industrial utilization of waste from sugarcane production, which represents major waste disposal problem

Focus area: Education and capacity building Team mission: Empowering biomaterials research and gearing it towards applications Needs: • Enhancement of

university and industry cooperation for joint development of new marketable products • Identification of the

available bio-resources in Mauritius • Appropriate training

courses to build capacity in the identified areas


Outcomes

OUTCOMES • Committed international

and interdisciplinary teams, focused on addressing relevant local needs, formulated into project ideas and roadmaps • Closing the gap between

research and industry, addressing a need as specified by the industrial partner/stakeholder • State-of-the-art in Center

Management Excellence • Benchmarking between

the local and international well known Centers of Excellence • Laying the foundation of

value-driven R&D that can best incorporate local bioand renewable resources and industrial capacities • Outline of a national

technology transfer approach to make better use of the potentials of biopolymers

SUMMARY OF ACTIONS AND RECCOMENDATIONS FOR SETTING-UP A BIO-BASED INDUSTRY IN MAURITIUS CBBR has a central position for providing the highest possible impact on the bio-based sector’s ability to innovate in Mauritius. The following actions should be undertaken in order to further develop CBBR and to unlock the significant potential of the Center for the bio-based industry in Mauritius: • Establishment of CBBR as a fully autonomous research

institution linked with the University of Mauritius and the private sector • Elaboration of a written strategy and implementation plan • Dedicated service portfolio • Enhanced communication and cooperation with industry • Cooperation with overseas Centers of Excellence

The Biopolymer workshop Mauritius 2013 can serve as a pilot model for COMESA Member States. The regional dimension of the Workshop is key to enhancing STI collaboration within and outside the region. There is an imminent need to enhance innovation and education at the regional level. Projects in that direction have been put forward.

“ Participants’ feedback was good, they were actively involved in discussion and working groups. In my working group, we have clearly defined objectives and persons responsible for individual activities, so I expect that the initial enthusiasm in planning tasks will be appropriately upgraded to the project application first and then the realization of the ambitious project.” — Majda Žigon

21


wrap up

WRAP UP

T

he Biopolymer workshop Mauritius 2013 had the objective to elaborate on the development and uses of biopolymers and nanotechnology in various key sectors of the Mauritian economy,

and to assist in the development of a bio-based industry in Mauritius as a new pillar of its economy. 93 participants from Mauritius, Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Slovenia, Austria, and Germany

Certificates were handed to all participants and mentors by Ms. Mateja Dermastia.

discussed innovation policy issues, identified several R&D collaboration opportunities in biopolymer applications in health and the environment, industrial

CLOSING CEREMONY

applications in value-added bioresource use, as well

Dhanjay Jhurry expressed his full

as education and capacity needs.

satisfaction regarding the realization of the objectives of the Workshop

The VIP and Policy Workshops on new trends in innovation policy and management attracted influential policy makers and industrial stakeholders. Scientific trends in biopolymers and related technologies, value-driven engineering, and business models of Centers of Excellence were presented by GBN experts. New partnerships were formed and

and enumerated the outcomes, such as the positioning of several projects in areas of national interest, the close interaction between researchers, public and private stakeholders, and discussion about ways and means to promote an innovative bio-based economy.

intensive follow-up activities will be undertaken, aiming

He requested the support of all

at international and multidisciplinary cooperation in

participants for a follow-up on key

biopolymer science and technology, supported by a

areas identified during the workshop.

stimulating innovation framework.

22


wrap up

“ In a very pleasant and nice environment, surrounded with different types of sugarcane at the Institute MSIRI, an excellently prepared workshop was held. Many enthusiastic domestic as well as international participants were strongly involved in the three-day workshop, which accomplished the presentation of four project initiatives. I strongly believe that further collaboration as well as mutual projects will be the results of the Workshop.” — Zorica Crnjak Orel

23


ABoUt the PeoPLe

The people

MENtOrINg tEAM Prof. theeshan Bahorun, PhD national Research chair in Applied Biochemistry, cBBR

Sujata k. Bhatia, MD, PhD, Pe

lEADErSHIP

Assistant Director of Undergraduate studies, Biomedical engineering, harvard University Assistant Dean, harvard summer school Associate, harvard Kennedy school of Government

Mateja Dermastia, M.sc ceo of ce PoliMat

Archana Bhaw-luximon, PhD Associate Professor, cBBR

Dhanjay Jhurry, PhD csK – national Research chair and head cBBR

Zorica Crnjak Orel, PhD Vice President of scientific council of ce PoliMat

fred kongongo head of regional science, technology and Innovation

ExECutIVE tEAM

programme, the secretariat of coMesA

Alexis Zrimec, PhD strategic Marketing Adviser at ce PoliMat; head of the Workshop programme and facilitator

24


ABoUt the PeoPLe Asha Dookun-Saumtally, PhD

gerd Meier zu köcker, PhD

Principal Research Manager, Mauritius sugarcane Industry Research Institute

VDI/VDe Innovation + technik Gmbh, head of section International technology transfer, clusters

frank Douglas, PhD

raj Makoond

President and ceo of ABIA

Director of Joint economic council

Vincent florence, PhD

gernot Oreski, PhD

Associate Professor of ecology, head of Department of Biosciences, University of Mauritius

senior Researcher, PccL

robindro ghose

Martin Payer, Msc

Principal Analyst at Ministry of Industry, commerce and consumer Protection

ceo of PccL

Andrej kržan, PhD

Majda Žigon, PhD

senior scientific Associate at ce PoliMat and national Institute of chemistry slovenia

President of the scientific council of ce PoliMat

Archana Bhaw-luximon, PhD

ravi Perwannee

Associate Professor, cBBR head of the cBBR organizational team

Administrative officer, cBBR

25


About the participants

PARTICIPANTS COMESA delegates

Caphane, J, Postgraduate Student, UoM

Baryamureeba, V, Chairman COMESA Innovation Council / Vice Chancellor, Uganda Technology and Mgt University (UTAMU)

Cheung, P, Managing Director, Ducray Lenoir Ltd

Kareru, P, Professor at Dept. of Chemistry, JKUAT, Kenya

Dhoomun, AK, EEO, Min of Environment and Sustainable Development

Kongongo, F, Coordinator, STI & Industrial Cluster Expert, COMESA Secretariat, Lusaka, Zambia

Dhunnoo, M, Research Assistant, CBBR

Kyamuhangire, W, Professor at Dept. of Agricultural and Bio-systems engineering, Makerere University, Uganda Lazaro Jere, WW, Head of Dept. and senior lecturer in Fish Genetics, Lilongwe Univ. of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi Munthali, F, Chief Research Officer in the Design, Engineering, Industrial and Energy Section, National Commission for Science and Technology, Malawi Muvhunzi, F, Senior Biosafety Officer, National Biotechnology Authority, Zimbabwe Sagomba, R, Deputy Director of National Biotechnology Authority, Zimbabwe Turoop, L, Professor at Dept. of Horticulture, JKUAT, Kenya Wambua, PM, Professor of materials engineering and dean, School of Engineering, MOI University, Kenya Local delegates Aukle, DA, Ag General Manager, Central Water Authority (CWA) Baichoo, C, Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB) Beedacee, A, Research Officer, Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Beedassy, S, Project Manager, Mauritius-SAICM Initiative, UNDP Beesoo, R, Postgraduate Student, CBBR Bhandari, J, Acting Chairperson, MID Fund Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development Bhogun, K, Enterprise Mauritius

Coombes, L, Director, Mauvilac Industries Ltd

Dookun-Saumtally, A, Principal Research Manager, MSIRI Dyall, S, Senior Lecturer, University of Mauritius (UoM) Emrith, R, Director, Industry Fagoonee, I, CEO (former VC, UoM), International Sustainable Performance Institute (ISPI) Goonoo, N, Postgraduate Student, CBBR Gopalla, N, Investment Executive, BOI Gopeechund, A, Postgraduate Student, CBBR Gunga, S, Technical Officer, Central Water Authority (CWA) Gungadardoss, M, Principal Research Scientist, Agricultural Research and Extension Unit (AREU) Hurdial, S, Lab Manager, Bioculture Group Jaulim, S, Investment Executive, BOI Jeetah, R, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology Jeetah, R, Postgraduate Student, CBBR Jeetah, V, Jeetah Consultancy Ltd Joomun, N, Biotechnology, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (MSIRI) Joysury, R, Acting Lab Manager, Wastewater Management Authority (WMA) Juddoo, P, STM, Min of Environment and Sustainable Develpoment Jugdawa, Y, Postgraduate Student, CBBR Jugessur, S, Chairman UoM, University of Mauritius (UoM)

Bojeenauth, V, CEO, Mauritius Cane Industry Authority (MCIA)

Kumar, N

Busawon, A, Central Electricity Board (CEB)

LeClĂŠzio, H, GML

26

LeClĂŠzio, A, Director, Island Fertilizers


About the participants

“ I was impressed about the commitment to and the concentrated work of all the people during the workshop, starting from the staff of the University and the representatives from local industry as well as the government.” — Gernot Oreski

Loganaden, S, Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB)

Ramkissoon, J, Director General, FARC

Madhoo, YN, Academic Staff, Faculty of Social Studies and Humanities, University of Mauritius (UoM)

Rampadarath, S, Postgraduate Student, UoM

Mamet, L, Director, Regional Training Centre (RTC) Manic, ND, Green Economy Focal Point, United Nations Maulloo, AK, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre Motala-Timol, S, Quality Assurance and Accreditation Officer, Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Mundil, H, Senior Investment Executive, BOI Murad, F, Clinician, Apollo Bramwell Hospital Neergheen – Bhujun, V, Lecturer, CBBR Nundlall, S, Director, BOI Padayatchy, N, Bioculture Group Park, T, Project Manager, Island Fertilizers Parmessur, Y, Biotechnology, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (MSIRI) Peerally, A, Ex Pro VC UoM, University of Mauritius (UoM)

Ramsaha, S, Postgraduate Student, CBBR Sabapathy, C, Commission on MID Saumtally, S, Director, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (MSIRI) Seechurn, P, Postgraduate Student, UoM Seetaramadoo, I, Senior Coordinator, Open University of Mauritius Seethiah, D, Academic Staff, Faculty of Law & Management, University of Mauritius (UoM) Slome, A, Honorary Consul, Rep of Slovenia, Sugar Beach Hotel Somanah-Bhugowandeen, J, Postgraduate Student, CBBR Soobadar, A, Agricultural Chemistry, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (MSIRI) Teeluck, JP, Acting Director, Agricultural Research and Extension Unit (AREU) Thomas, JM, General Manager, Ducray Lenoir Ltd Toolsee, N, Postgraduate Student, CBBR

Prayag, V, Investment Executive, BOI

Ujoodha, R, Research Assistant, CBBR

Ramanjoola, A, ARS, MOI

Veeren, A, Postgraduate Student, CBBR

27


Media Coverage

BIOPOLYMER WORKSHOPs IN THE MEDIA “ Science and technology are being increasingly recognized as central features in international diplomacy.” — Harvard Kennedy School, Belfer Center For Science and International Affairs and Technology + Policy, Innovation@Work

HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL, BELFER CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS and TECHNOLOGY + POLICY, INNOVATION@WORK

Forging New Diplomatic Bonds Through Science and Technology Science and technology are being increasingly recognized as central features in international diplomacy. Much of the attention, however, has focused on how major industrialized countries and large emerging nations such as China, India, and Brazil use science and technology to advance their global competitiveness. http://hvrd.me/11mh3eV and http://bit.ly/Xyl79X

Biopolymer Workshop in Mauritius The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs News

ANDI Centre of Excellence,

Slovenian Center of Excellence PoliMaT and the Global

Centre for Biomedical and

Biopolymer Network Assist in Setting-up of a Bio-based

Biomaterials Research News

Industry in Mauritius

Workshop: ‘Setting-up

A Biopolymer Workshop was held in Mauritius on May 8-10 for

of a Bio-based Industry

assisting in setting-up of a bio-based industry in Mauritius, with

in Mauritius’

the objective to elaborate on the development and uses of biopolymers and nanotechnology in various key sectors of the Mauritian economy.

Venue: Boname Hall, MSIRI,Reduit, Date: 8 - 10 May 2013

http://www.mzz.gov.si/nc/en/newsroom/news/article/6/32101/ 6f2337207b62dbc99302891c32666a01/

28

http://vcampus.uom.ac.mu/cbbr/


Media Coverage

Biopolymer Workshop in Kenya THE SLOVENIA TIMES BUSINESS OVERVIEW

THE SLOVENIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS NEWS

CE PoliMat in Kenya

Foreign Ministry

addresses sustainable

supports the setting up

agriculture, health and technological development challenges In a first-of-its-kind Biopolymer Workshop an international group of experts will instruct the participants how to integrate knowledge to identify industrial needs and

of the PoliMaT Center of Excellence in Kenya

Global Biopolymer Network CE PoliMaT News

The Global Biopolymer Network meeting of its founding members

A workshop entitled

“The World is Waiting” is

‘Biopolymer’ is being held

the motto of the Global

from 27 to 30 January in

Biopolymer Network,

Nairobi, Kenya, attended

initiated along the ASPM

by the PoliMaT Center of

2013 Conference in Bled,

Excellence, Ljubljana; Jomo

Slovenia, on April 3, 2013.

demands, how to identify

Kenyatta University, Nairobi;

policy options for action and

and the Science, Technology

how to best turn them into

and Globalisation Project,

practice.

Harvard Kennedy School.

http://bit.ly/WPPpnG

http://bit.ly/13gDpDN

http://en.polimat.si/2/News/ ID/234/The-Global-BiopolymerNetwork-meeting-of-its-foundingmembers.aspx

CE PoliMaT News JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY NEWS

First Biopolymer Research Center for the Region Plans are underway to establish a Biopolymer Center in JKUAT to serve as a research hub in Africa to tap into the emerging multimillion industry that has promised to open numerous industrial opportunities to advance Africa’s economic development. Biopolymers are gaining increased utilization in industry that promises to boost productivity particularly in the agricultural and health sectors. http://bit.ly/XH6v63

Global Biopolymer Network launches Stakeholder Discussions Discussions held in the US, Africa and Europe provide an opportunity for dialogue with international stakeholders interested in biopolymers, including policy-makers, industry, academia, multilateral

CE PoliMaT News

agencies and investors.

A follow-up meeting of the 1st Biopolymer Workshop

http://en.polimat.si/2/News/

On April 2, 2013, mentors from JKUAT (Kenya), PCCL (Austria),

ID/262/Global-Biopolymer-

Mikrocaps Ltd, Educell Ltd and CE PoliMaT (all Slovenia) met in

Network-launches-Stakeholder-

Bled, Slovenia to discuss the progress of project initiatives from

Discussions.aspx

the 1st Biopolymer Workshop. http://en.polimat.si/2/News/ID/235/A-follow-up-meeting-of-the-1stBiopolymer-Workshop.aspx

29


about CE polimat

Center of Excellence for Polymer Materials and Technologies

CE PoliMaT

T

he Center of Excellence for polymer materials and technologies (CE PoliMaT), based on a public-private partnership, was established on 8 January 2010 by a group of businesses and academic institutions.

In the field of polymer materials and technology, CE PoliMaT ensures the transformation of research excellence into products and services in hightech niche markets, supporting job creation, new business formation, economic development and the transition to a low-carbon society. CE PoliMaT facilitates research excellence by bringing together leading scientists and engineers from different disciplines, such as chemistry, physics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medicine, and mechanical engineering. Research focuses on the development of advanced multifunctional materials with the help of nanotechnology and the use of renewable resources. The center develops applications for the use in industry, health, agriculture, building materials, renewable energy and electronics.

30

Through cooperation with leading centers of knowledge in the field of polymers in Europe, United States of America and Africa, CE PoliMaT is leading the way in creating a Global Biopolymer Network.

Contacts

CE PoliMaT, Tehnološki park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, EU T: +386 (0) 59081274 F: +386 (0) 59081279 E: info@polimat.si I: en.polimat.si Innovation office CE PoliMaT Akron Suite 801 F, Akron Global Business Accelerator / AGBA 526 S. Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311 USA


oRGAnIZeRs:

In cLose coLL ABoRAtIon WIth:

sPonsoRs: GoLD

B RonZe

VenUe PRoVIDeD BY

François de Grivel


the operation of PoliMat is partly fi nanced by the european Union through the european Regional Development Fund - budget heading 6944 competitiveness of enterprises and Research excellence - esRR-07-13-eU, accounts 4120 and 4310. 15% of the share of eligible assets represent earmarked funds from the budget of the Republic of slovenia - budget heading 9406 competitiveness of enterprises and Research excellence - esRR-07-13-slovenian participation, accounts 4120 and 4310, nRP-no 3211-09-0012.


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