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The conclave that hosted 17 sessions and 52 speakers, was attended by close to 300 delegates cutting across various industry verticals. The stakeholders debated, networked, and explored partnership opportunities to bring about the potential of transformative change in economic development through the power of biotechnology.
Biological knowledge and data crucial to realize market potential
In her speech, B Meenakumari, Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority( NBA) emphasized on the need to safeguard the biodiversity of the country. Few years ago, only few were aware on this fact that there are biodiversity laws applicable in the country. There are exemptions to the Indian people using the country’ s traditional knowledge. Accessing bioresources for Indian nationals is free but when it comes to specific biomolecules, patent laws apply. Yet the law enforcement is lacking in most of the cases.
Dr K Vijay Raghavan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, mentioned,“ Scientific churning of biodiversity data can be a step towards bioeconomy. Focused efforts to generate data. Industry and government institutes can assess that.” Calling market failure as a major challenge, Dr Raghavan said that it requires to be bridged.“ We require huge resources and capacities. CEPHI is an initiative that can make a difference in the times of Ebola and Zika. Our involvement depends on your competitiveness.”
In response to the question by Dr Kiran M Shaw on the inability of Gurgaon to attract the industry despite a huge incubator and how could government play a role to facilitate its leveraging, Dr Raghavan stated that there is a need to convert talent into innovative solutions besides moral bosting.“ Investments are required at multiple levels.”
On biodiversity laws, the DBT Secretary candidly pointed out that there is difference between desire and applicability. " Changing rules to make them favourable to industry has to go through checks and balances. DBT and environment ministry are working together on this," said Dr Raghavan.
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