Revisiting and Realizing the Promises of Synthetic Biology
Synthetic biology is a frontier field that employs science and engineering approaches to design biologically based parts, novel devices and systems as well as redesign existing, natural, ...
Synthetic biology is developing tools and frameworks to design the building blocks of life. This ability promises to revolutionize economies and societies, offering new approaches to transform industries and overcome global challenges. The impact areas are manifold: synthetic biology is driving innovation in manufacturing, healthcare, energy production, information storage, environmental remediation, materials and many more. However, these impacts so far are being driven and felt by a select few globally. As synthetic biology matures, we have choices in how we shape the future. How can we realize the potential of synthetic biology to benefit people and the planet? The Global Future Council on Synthetic Biology is re-examining the past and the future of synthetic biology, considering what values can guide more effective, equitable and ethical outcomes, and developing the stories and strategies we need to realize the futures we desire.
Producing and consuming garments more sustainably could boost the global economy by almost $200 billion by 2030. However, this requires collective action by industry leaders, manufacturer...
This piece was authored by The Global Commons Working Group of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council of Synthetic Biology.
Recent debates around how intellectual property rights (IPRs) might be adapted to facilitate wider availability of COVID-19 vaccines constitute a “hinge event” with the potential to alter...