Articles of Association

Articles of Association of IBA

(Note: preliminary draft only, to be approved by IBA co-initiators)

Chapter 1   General Provisions

Article 1

These Articles of Associations are formulated in accordance with constitution, laws and regulation in the country of registration,

and other public laws and regulations.

Article 2

The International Bioeconomy Association (hereinafter referred to as the IBA) is a non-profit non-governmental organization co-initiated by Peking University’s China Center for Strategic Studies, China Society of Territorial Economics, International Green Economy Association, Plant Protection Society (Singapore), PolyCan Health Centre Canada and other institutions from across the world.

Article 3

IBA is registered under the address: No. 39 Shangdi West Road., Haidian District, Beijing, 100085, P.C.China.

Article 4

IBA vision: drive global bioeconomy, serve the interest of humanity.

Article 5

IBA is subject to technical advice and regulatory supervision of the registration authority.

Chapter 2   Business Scope of IBA

Article 6

IBA’s scope of business:

6.1.Conduct strategic research and gain an insight into global bioeconomic dynamics and trends.

   IBA carries out research on biotechnological and bioeconomic theories, methodology and strategies, systematically track the development dynamics of biotechnology and bioeconomy worldwide, and aims to release three indexes and reports.

   First, the Global Biotechnological Development Report. Emphasis is laid on analyzing the development orientation and priorities of biotechnology in major countries, including technology policies, key areas and development trends along with investment in talent, research papers and patents.
   Second, the Global Bioeconomy Development Report. It primarily analyzes the development orientation and priorities of bioeconomy in major countries, including the number of enterprises, industry scale, growth rate, market consumption and investment intensity along with innovative capacity for new products and services.

   Third, the Global Bioeconomic Policy Trend Report. The Report focuses on the analysis of bioeconomic policies, plans, industry standards, market access, investment and trade in major countries, providing a reference for governments and enterprises in policy-making.

6.2.Foster science and technology exchange to drive sustainable development of biotechnology and bioeconomy,

   First, set up the International Bioeconomy Research Institute. The Institute works to attract top talents worldwide to jointly promote a new technological revolution, draw large enterprises and groups to discuss bioeconomic development strategies and measures, cultivate technical, management and enterprise personnel, and ultimately foster global biotechnological and bioeconomic development.

   Second, launch the World Bioeconomy Magazine. The Magazine publishes major achievements and innovations in global bioeconomic technologies, systems, theories, talents and management such as biotechnological breakthroughs, major bioeconomic policies, large cross-national enterprises, top talents etc.

6.3. Continue to host the International Bioeconomy Conference (BioEco).

Following the first, second and third BioEco hosted by the Chinese government in 2005, 2007 and 2009, future BioEco events will be in the hands of IBA as a tool to promote the dialogue in global policies, industries, education and research. BioEco is expected to grow into another leading platform in the field of international bioeconomy after the Biotechnology Innovation Organization from the US and BioVision from the European Union.

6.4. Build up a 24/7 “global biotechnology exchange and product trading network”.

  IBA connects 100,000 information sources worldwide in life science and bioeconomy to form the world largest network for biotechology exchange and product trading as a “never closing” trading market for biotechnologies and products.

6.5. Build a platform of industry and financial exchange.

The International Bioeconomy Development Fund will be established in support of top talent innovation, major technological inventions and bioeconomic development in the third world. Meanwhile, the Bioeconomy Financial Mart” will be initiated along with a financial club of angle funds, venture capital funds, private equities, securities institutions as well as other public or private offerings. IBA is also responsible for organizing international fairs for communication between the financial industry and technologies, products and enterprises.

6.6. Promote international collaboration and reward individuals and institutions with great contributions.

    Make innovative changes in cooperative mechanism and approaches; facilitate international communication and collaboration in bioeconomy through “the six mutuals”: mutual communication of talents, mutual transfer of technologies, mutual cooperation of enterprises, mutual opening-up of markets, mutual learning from each other’s managerial practices and mutual tolerance of cultures; rewards are given to those individuals and institutions with major constitutions. Meanwhile, talent and enterprise sponsorship projects are initiated. The “Phoenix Talent Award” and “Phoenix Corporate Award” are established as incentives for young scientists, innovative entrepreneurs and enterprises with the launch of the “Bioeconomy Basic Research Fund” and “Bioeconomy Industry Innovation Fund”.

Chapter 3   Membership

Article 7

IBA’s membership falls into two categories: institutional membership and individual membership.

Article 8

All IBA membership applicants shall meet the following requirements:

  • Full support of IBA’s Articles of Association;
  • Voluntary application for IBA’s membership;
  • Social influence in bioeconomy related industries.

Article 9

Membership application procedures:

  • Submit membership application online or via email;
  • Membership effective upon approval by IBA Council;
  • Membership Certificate issuance by IBA Council or authorized agencies.

Article 10

Member perks and benefits:

  • Engagement in the discussion of important resolutions and major issues;
  • Right to elect, be elected and vote for major personnel;
  • Participation in IBA events with the right to advise on projectsdevelopment.
  • Privilege to receive IBA exclusive services;
  • Right to oversee, criticize and suggest on IBA work issues;
  • Voluntary withdrawal from IBA membership.

Article 11

Member roles and responsibilities:

  • Comply with IBA’s Articles of Association and resolutions;
  • Safeguard IBA’s legal interests;
  • Perform duties assigned;
  • Pay membership dues as required;
  • Provide authentic materials as required.

Article 12

Members withdrawing from IBA for reasons of their own shall return the original Membership Certificate; membership is automatically terminated for failure to pay membership dues for more than one year or participate in any IBA events.

Article 13

Severe violation of IBA’s Articles of Association leads to removal of membership once approved by IBA Council.

Chapter 4   Governance and Personnel Appointment and Removal

Article 14

The highest decision-making body in IBA is the General Assembly. Its functions and powers include:

  • Formulate and revise the IBA Articles of Association.
  • Elect and remove directors
  • Review and discuss work reports and financial statements from the Council.
  • Formulate and revise standards for payment dues.
  • Decide on matters of termination
  • Approve other important matters

Article 15

The General Assembly may not be held unless there are more than 2/3 of the member representatives present, and the resolution may not take effect until approved by more than 2/3 of the member representatives that attend the assembly.

Article 16

The General Assembly shall be held every five years.

Article 17

The IBA Council is the executive agency of the General Assembly. It guides IBA’s daily operation between General Assembly meetings and is accountable for the General Assembly.

Article 18

The council may not be held unless there are more than 2/3 of the members of the council present, and the resolution may not take effect until approved by 2/3 of the members that attend the council.

Article 19

IBA Council shall be held at least once a year. Telephone and audio-visual conferencing may be appropriate alternatives in exceptional circumstances.

Article 20

Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary General must meet the following requirements:

  • Possess relatively great influence in the businessarea of IBA.
  • Maximum age limit for Chairman, Vice-Chairman andSecretary General is 70 years old; Secretary-General shall be full-time officer.
  • Good health and capable of performingnormal duties required for the position.
  • Never been legally deprived of political rights as a consequence of criminal
  • Full capacity for civil conduct.

Article 21

Anyone who exceeds the maximum age limit may take office as Chairman, Vice-Chairman or Secretary General only after approved by the Council, reported to  business department in charge for review and authorized by registration institution.

Article 22

Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of IBA serve five-years terms and shall not hold office for more than two consecutive terms. If the term of office needs to be extended under special circumstances, it shall be approved by 2/3 of the members of the General Assembly, reported to business department in charge fr review and authorized by registration institution.

Article 23

Secretary General is the legal representative of IBA.

  • The legal representative signs relevant important documents on behalf of IBA.
  • The legal representative shall not serve as the legal representative of other societies.

Article 24

Chairman of IBA shall exercise the following powers:

  • Convene and preside over IBA Council meetings;
  • Follow up on the implementation of resolutions from General Assembly and Council meetings.

Article 25

Secretary General of IBA shall exercise the following powers:

  • Oversee the day-to-day work of executing agencies and implement annual work plans.
  • Coordinate the work of branch offices, representative offices and entities.
  • Nominate Vice Secretary-General and heads of all offices and agencies; nominations submitted to the Council for final decision.
  • Advise on the appointment of full-time employees in executing agencies, representative offices and entities; advice submitted to the Council for final decision.
  • Handle other day-to-day tasks.

Chapter 5   Principles for Assets Utilization and Management

Article 26

Funds of IBA come from:

  • Membership dues
  • Donations
  • Government aid
  • Income derived from activities and services carried out within the approved scope of service.
  • Interests
  • Other legitimate income.

Article 27

IBA collects membership dues in accordance with relevant regulations in the country of registration.

Article 28

Funds of IBA must be used within the scope of service stipulated in the Articles of Association and for business development, and must not be distributed among members.

Articles 29

IBA has a rigorous financial management system in place to ensure the legitimacy, authenticity, accuracy and completeness of accounting information.

Article 30

IBA hires professionally qualified accountants who must not concurrently serve as cashiers; accountants must carry out financial accounting and accounting supervision; when transferring from or leaving the post, accountants must fulfill handover formalities with the replacement person.

Article 31

Assets management of IBA must be carried out under the state-specified financial management system and subject to supervision from the General Assembly and financial sectors. Funds derived from state appropriations or social donations are subject to the supervision from auditing institutions and relevant information must be made public appropriately.

Article 32

Before reelection or appointment of a new legal representative, IBA is subject to financial auditing from registration institutions and business departments in charge.

Article 33

Assets of IBA are protected by law and shall not be illicitly seized, distributed or embezzled among any units or individuals.

Chapter 6   Revision of the Articles of Association

Article 34

Revision of the Articles of Association must be voted for approval by the Council and reported to the General Assembly for review.

Article 35

Revised Articles of Association shall not take effect until being approved by business departments in charge and authorized by registration institutions within 15 days after approval from the General Assembly.

Chapter 7   Termination Procedure and Property Disposal

Article 36

In the case of voluntary dissolution of IBA or dissolution due to the fulfillment of purposes, merger, split-up or other reasons, a Motion to Terminate must be initiated by the Council.

Article 37

Motion to Terminate must be voted for approval by the General Assembly and reported to business departments in charge for review and approval.

Article 38

Before termination of IBA, liquidation groups must be formed under the guidance of business departments in charge and institutions concerned to settle credits and debts, and to appropriately handle after-liquidation matters. No other activities shall be carried out throughout the liquidation process.

Article 39

Termination of IBA takes effect upon the cancellation of registration by the registration administrative authority.

Article 40

Properties remaining from liquidation after termination shall not be illicitly seized or privately distributed among any units or individuals. Hereby mentioned properties must be used for purposes closely related to IBA’s mission and vision in accordance with relevant state regulation and under the supervision of business departments in charge and registration administrative authorities.

Chapter 8   Supplementary Provisions

Article 41

The Articles of Association is (to be) voted for approval by the General Assembly.

Article 42

IBA Council reserves the right for final interpretation of the Articles of Association.

Article 43

The Articles of Association come into effect on the date of approval by the registration administration authority.