In the latter half of the twentieth century, there was an expectation of a sudden rise in new bioindustries as biotechnologies such as DNA cloning based on molecular biology were established. However in reality there has not been the kind of big changes in industry that could meet those expectations. Although it is generally accepted that there is a substantial lag between a new field of science leading to a new industry, in this instance expectations ran amok which led to a situation where some zeal for bioindustries based on biotechnologies was lost. This is only my personal opinion, but I believe that currently, more than ten years after we entered the twenty-first century, we are finally at the stage of developing new bioindustries based on these biotechnologies.
There has already been considerable success in research into biotechnologies, notably, the development of new pharmaceuticals using knowledge of in vivo molecular reactions, the administration of more appropriate medicines based on an individual’s genetic background, genetic recombination and the development of plants for agriculture with new breeding methods based on molecular marker-assisted selection. Moreover, with the advent of biofuels, the trump card in the fight against environmental problems, it is clear that bioindustries are really starting to take off.
Fortunately, in fields such as fermentation and advanced breeding technologies, Japan has already established the technologies that form the foundation for new bioindustries. Accordingly, Japan looks to be well positioned for the predicted global race in these fields. Meanwhile in addition to the United States and other developed nations, emerging nations such as China are taking up the challenge in these fields, and in this situation it is imperative that Japan’s bioindustries not rest on their laurels. As we enter this new era, the JBA’s role will become more and more critical and because of this, I reaffirm my determination to do whatever I can in my role as chairman.

April 1st, 2011
Chairman of Board of Directors　 Dr. Michio Oishi

The Board of Directors, the highest decision-making body, is composed of representatives from both industry and academia. Under the leadership of this Board, JBA has the functions, i.e.

• Industrial Liaison
• Communication between Academia and Industry
• BioJapan Organizing Committee
• Bio-venture Forum

With the cooperation and support of its members, JBA is helping industries rapidly apply the outstanding results of science and technology research. JBA is carrying out the following activities with the aim of improving industry infrastructure and strengthening international competitiveness.

5 Actions of JBA

1. Policy proposal and Dialogues
   
   JBA has offered a variety of policy proposal and dialogues for the sound development of biotechnology and bioindustry in corporation with JBA members.
2. Science agora of the information on advanced biotechnology
   
   JBA is addressing the provision of biotechnology and new technical information of industry, discovery of seeds and industrial applications in cooperation with JBA members.
3. Open innovation by the network
   
   In alliance with JBA members, JBA provides opportunities to help development of biotechnology and industry.
4. International network
   
   JBA provides international information on biotechnology and bioindustry to JBA members.
5. Infrastructure of bioindustry
   
   JBA is addressing the improvement of infrastructure for biotechnology and industrial development in corporation with JBA members.

The climatic conditions (e.g. humid and temperate) in Japan nurtured traditional industry using microorganisms, e.g. brewing and fermentation industry. JBA's predecessor organization, Japanese Association of Industrial Fermentation (GAF) was formed in 1942. GAF functioned as a forum for exchanges between researchers in academia and technologists from industry.
In 1983, in response to rapid development in bioscience and associated fields with the advent of new technology, such as r-DNA and cell fusion, the JAIF created the"Bioindustry Development Center (BIDEC) " to promote the development and commercialization of new product and process.
JAIF and BIDEC were merged into one organization in 1987 and its English name was changed from BIDEC to JBA in 1990.

JBA Membership is open to all qualified organizations and individuals with interest in bioscience, biotechnology and its commercialization.The special characteristics of JBA are reflected in its organization with about 200 companies from many industrial sectors participating. In addition, about 100 public organizations and 800 individuals from universities, making JBA a unique forum for exchanges related to bioscience and industry.
To join us, please contact Mr. Shuji Mura, general manager.