Today, industrial biotechnologists are no longer discussing whether a single product can be produced via biotechnology, but are rather considering di­verse portfolios of products leveraging expertise and resources. The various systems biology toolboxes applied to bioethanol production are now being exploited to develop integrated processes that will form “biorefineries”. The concept of the biorefinery was first defined in 1999, when it was postulated that lignocellulosic raw materials may be converted to numerous biocom­modities via integrated unit processes, and offer competitive performance to traditional petrochemical refineries [27]. Several chapters in this volume will more closely examine the biorefinery as a model and platform for future bio-based processes in terms of policy issues and process integration.

If the biorefinery platform model is to evolve from academic conception to industrial reality it will require two key components. First, the economic and socio-political landscape must support and warrant the significant financial investment, favorable legislative policy, and consumer-driven demand that will be required. Second, the advances and tools developed within systems biology for metabolic engineering must be successfully applied in commer­cial environments. Bioethanol is the first industrial biotechnology product to demonstrate that if these two elements are co-supported, then numer­ous bio-based processes can be developed and integrated into a biomass economy.

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