English Abstract This report summarizes the information obtained on
developments in R&D programmes on environmental biotechnology in various
countries, i.e. the USA, Germany, United Kingdom and Japan. Although the
Netherlands was one of the first countries with an R&D programme on
environmental biotechnology, in the meantime other countries have also
developed programmes in this area. Both similarities and differences on
priority research areas exist between the various programmes. Especially on
the development of treatment techniques many similarities can be
distinguished, which provide a basis for discussing more mutual attunement
between the different programmes. The main difference is that in the
Netherlands emphasis is on the development of treatment techniques, whereas
in most other countries also the development of biological recycling and
prevention techniques is stimulated. In some cases even long-term
programmes have been initiated in which research for sustainable development
is encouraged. These new developments might provide ideas for supplementary
research areas in the Dutch programme.
