Mission
Modern plant biotechnology holds many of the potential solutions for sustainable agricultural and industrial systems. However, converting this promise into practice in less developed regions will require a concerted effort in training in - and access to - the latest technological developments and the design of effective biosafety and regulatory mechanisms. IPBO contributes to awareness and capacity building through knowledge transfer in enabling technologies, international regulations & intellectual property rights and the promotion of innovative research oriented to the needs of developing nations.

Strategic networking
Situated near the Ghent Biotech Valley, Europe’s largest plant biotech cluster, IPBO is a central node of an international network for R&D in plant biotechnology. IPBO works in close collaboration with the Flemish Institute of Biotechnology (VIB) and the Department of Plant Systems Biology (PSB). Access to frontier R&D, expertise in public-private partnerships and pioneering expertise in plant transformation are among the major strengths of the PSB/IPBO team.

The mandate of IPBO is supported by a number of key international affiliations involved in the deployment of plant biotechnology. As such, IPBO represents a powerful forum to both leverage the opportunities plant biotechnology presents for sustainable rural development, and challenge the obstacles facing its deployment.

Science and technology are major driving forces behind a flourishing and innovative industry and a thriving economy. Plant biotechnology in combination with classical breeding programs will have a huge impact on novel agricultural developments and sustainable plant-based industries. IPBO works closely with centers of scientific excellence to promote transfer of relevant enabling technologies to R&D centers in the developing countries.

Our programs, with well focused themes have proven to be highly effective as platforms for bringing together the public and private sector, stimulating interactions and cooperation at North–South as well as South–South level.

Creating awareness
Information is a key pillar in balanced decision making. The public and policy makers require objective information about technological advances. IPBO creates awareness on the potential of plant biotechnology by involving the different stakeholders in its activities and through active participation in the dialogue with policy makers and the public.

IPBO also strives to enhance awareness in industrialized nations on the relevance of biotechnology as a solution for local problems in developing countries. IPBO leverages its privileged relationships with the private and public sectors to foster international collaboration and support of R&D programs in the developing world.