expert corner
between innovation and safety, is the need of the hour.
The need for multidisciplinary collaboration
Given the rapid pace of proliferation of long DNA synthesis technology, we recommend convergence of scientists, social scientists, lawyers, economists, business persons, members of civil society like NGOs, journalists, bureaucrats and politicians, to discuss the technology, develop tool for early diagnosis of anomalies and a legal framework to ensure a responsible innovation. This can be achieved by bringing various organizations together on this issue.
In India, several leading institutions such as the IITs, IISc and Jawaharlal Nehru University( JNU) have a leading presence in Synthetic Biology. In this regard JNU presents itself with expertise rich in science, economics and policy in the form of School of Biotechnology, Centre for Law and Governance, Centre for Political studies, Centre for Sociology, Centre for Science Policy, Centre for Economic Studies and Planning and School of International Studies.
To explore the emerging aspects of responsible innovation in long DNA synthesis technology, each School / Centre may come on a common platform and address overt and covert issues arising from this technology, leading to a joint declaration and recommendation to the Government of India.
Furthermore, the need of the hour is to trigger nationwide debates inviting members of the society from various cross sections to present their views and concerns. The bigger goal is to develop a national consensus on responsible innovation arising from emerging technologies and find socially acceptable pathways.
Given the rapid pace development in biotechnology sector, recommendation for creating Centre for biotechnology policy and regulatory sciences have been made( Dash 2012).
At the international level, there is a need for dialogue among responsible nations for sharing global wisdom and develop a common protocol for humanity. Furthermore, there is a need to understand and identify structural loopholes and suggest remedial measures. We need to set up standards of responsible innovation, encourage nations to participate and give recommendations. There is a need for strong Indian presence in this area and lead the world by demonstrating insight, integrity and an inspirational leadership.
Summary
For dual use technologies, the demarcation line of innovation for public good versus public suffering is quite thin. Innovation needs to be nurtured with responsibility as novel technologies and products are sometimes used tools of foreign policy. To ensure that innovation results in genuine public good for all, it’ s time to create a virtual network of information exchange, involving academia, industry and governments. The need of the hour is to inculcate value-based education and prevent misuse. Given that every innovation comes at a cost to the planet, responsible innovation and sustainability must go together. Due to this reason, the responsibility of global community to enjoy fruits of long DNA synthesis technology and prevent its misuse, is not just a fancy buzzword. There is really no other choice.
References
1. Dash SP. Indian Biotechnology: The Roadmap to the Next Decade and Beyond. Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises report. Bangalore 2012
2. Singh D, PK Dhar. Exploring the Future of Synthetic Biology in India and its Probable Pathways from Infancy to Maturity. Curr Synthetic Sys Biol 2013, 1: 106
[ Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are author ' s own and do not reflect the position or official policy of their Organizations ]
PROF PAWAN DHAR
Professor and Head, Synthetic Biology group, School of Biotechnology, JNU, New Delhi. Prior to this, he held senior scientific positions at Shiv Nadar University, RIKEN Genomics Sciences Centre, Japan, Bioinformatics Institute, Singapore, Keio University and Kyoto University in Japan and Manipal University. He received his PhD in 1993 from BHU for his work on Human Genetics. His recent work on making artificial genes has been called potential breakthrough by European Science Commission.
DR SATYA PRAKASH DASH
Head Strategy, Partnerships, Entrepreneurship Development at the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council( BIRAC). In the past, he has been a Senior Strategy consultant to IIM-B & IISc in understanding the ecosystem’ s needs for a medicaltechnology platform. Prior to that, he was the COO of biotechnology industry association, ABLE. He holds triple masters from Cambridge( UK), Leicester( UK) & Sambalpur( Orissa) and a PhD from University of East Anglia, UK.
DEEPAK SINGH
PhD Candidate at the Centre for the Studies in Science Policy, JNU, New Delhi. He is an Electrical Engineer by training and his current interests are using the tools of technology foresight in emerging areas like renewable energy and synthetic biology.
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BioVoiceNews | June 2016