engleski

Role of Croatia in the field of Biotechnology

Biotechnology in Croatia has a long tradition and is based in the last century, first exemplified by oxytetracycline and vitamin C production and then by variety of other biotechnological processes. At the same time a higher education system (HES) in the field of biotechnology was established primarily at University of Zagreb and later on at other Universities in the Republic of Croatia in order to reinforce education and research as well as to meet and follow labour market requirements. First among pioneers in the field was our late professor emeritus Vera Johanides, founder of biochemical engineering in Croatia and cofounder and signatory of the European Federation of Biotechnology charter, and distinguished expert recognized worldwide. Nowadays biotechnology belongs to the most important pillars of European biobased economy. Croatian HES fullfils its educational role at graduate and PhD level since our students easily find their way to positions at Universities and in companies inland and abroad. Although very flexible and in constant improvement process in terms of education, the HES has experienced stagnation in collaborative and joint research activities with industry. Support of public institutions (e.g. HAMAG-BICRO and Incubation centre for bioscience and technology commercialization) in creating novel value chains are of essential importance. There are several excellent research groups with high competencies that are using the given support. However, there is still plenty of room for improvements in close collaboration among all stakeholders, especially industry that might bring better prospect for biotechnology in the Republic of Croatia.

biotechnology, higher education system, industrial biotechnology

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