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