Industrial Biotechnology in Non Aligned and Other Developing Countries Current Status and Future Prospects

"Industrial biotechnology involves the application of biotechnology-based tools to traditional industrial processes and the manufacturing of bio-based products in sectors such as chemicals, food and feed, detergents, paper and pulp, textiles, materials and bio-energy from renewable raw materials. The evolution of our ability to manipulate microbial genomes has revolutionized the field of biotechnology and has helped develop new bio-based processes that reduce environmental impacts while improving efficiency in numerous industrial sectors. Industrial biotechnology can help industries become more environmentally sustainable and allows them to develop new manufacturing processes and technologies that are cleaner and more energy efficient. The benefits of Industrial Biotechnology are not fully exploited in developing countries due to the lack of advanced skills, modern and innovative research and technology and the new world trade regime. Therefore efforts should be well organised to make use of the enzymes and micro-organisms for producing bio-based products in various sectors in order to support one of the most promising and innovative approaches towards lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This publication is a follow up of the First International Winter School on Industrial Biotechnology organised at Cairo, Egypt during 2-6 December, 2012 by the NAM S&T Centre jointly with the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF) of Egypt. The book includes 16 scientific and technical papers from the experts and professionals of 13 countries and presents noteworthy insights on the role of Industrial Biotechnology in providing a more sustainable foundation for the developing world's transition from an agrarian to an industrial economy. The book is expected to be of great value for the scientists, researchers and professionals who are engaged in this field to seek knowledge on the skills, opportunities, challenges and possible solutions based on the subject and in giving maximum exposure towards the updated research and development that are being conducted in this field across the developing world."