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The global diffusion of biotechnology has played a pivotal role in restructuring the global order in the post-Cold War era. Institution of a strong domestic base in biotech has arguably allowed emerging economies in the Global South to negotiate with developed countries from a position of strength. This paper critically examines the rise of Brazil as a case in point to examine the role of biotechnology as a great equaliser of power in North-South relations. It identifies the institution of a strong domestic biotechnology base as a primary facilitator of Brazil's emergence as a globally influential player. The paper does so through delineating the various means through which Brazil has drawn from biotechnology to boost its international image and influence. Firstly, it analyses the nuances within Brazil's domestic biotechnology strategy while underlining their catalytic effect in driving fast-paced advances in the field. Brazil's policy successes with respect to genomics and biofuels are highlighted. The paper discusses Brazil's employment of biotechnology as an effective foreign policy tool in niche diplomacy ventures of health, agriculture, and biofuels to grow its clout in the Global South. Brazil's tactful ability to combine its biotechnology expertise with skilful diplomatic manoeuvring to pioneer novel normative paradigms that favour the Global South has been studied. The paper concludes that Brazil's biotechnology strategy presents a good model for emerging economies in Asia and Africa to emulate to improve their relative standing in the multipolar world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating drones in Indian agriculture presents a transformative potential, ushering in a new era of sustainable farming practices. In India, various incidents tell a story of how pesticides, seeds, and many more applications, once deemed a boon for agricultural progress, have gradually unfolded into a complex web of ecological and health challenges. Presently, the case of drones for spraying purposes in agriculture brings forth compiling advantages. These include enhanced precision in results, alleviation of the diverse adverse effects linked with manual spraying methods, operational feasibility in inclement weather conditions, utility in cultivating tall-standing crops and addressing the complexities of manual spraying for crops such as paddy and sugarcane. This paper explores the role of drones in promoting spraying applications in Indian agriculture. The study addresses two research questions: how can the utilisation of drones for spraying applications contribute to the sustainability of Indian agriculture, and how can drone-assisted spraying applications contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indian agriculture? To accomplish this, a responsible innovation approach is adopted as a theoretical framework to explore the dimensions of innovations in drone mounted spraying in Indian agriculture, juxtaposed by erratic weather conditions and knitted by diverse values and norms. The snowball sampling technique was employed to identify the interviewees and collect qualitative data. For this, in-depth interviews were conducted in person or by using Zoom. The findings suggest that efficiency, capability, effectiveness, gender equality, trust, and accuracy are certain values embedded in drone technology that assist in achieving the SDGs in Indian agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses three concepts from medical sociology – pharmaceuticalisation, corporate bias and the permissive principle – showing how these conceptual tools can be used to analyse bioeconomic fairness and efficiency in relation to the development, regulation and consumption of pharmaceuticals. The three concepts reveal the problematic impacts of the influence and interests of the pharmaceutical industry at various levels of the development, regulation and subsequent use of pharmaceuticals – and, as such, various possible examples of bioeconomic inefficiency and unfairness. First, the paper discusses the concept of pharmaceuticalisation which enables analysis of the social forces that can shape the new or widening usages of pharmaceuticals. It suggests that if social forces, such as medicalisation, consumerism or deregulatory ideology are driving the widening or new use of pharmaceuticals then pharmaceuticals in specific contexts might be said to be inefficient solutions. Next, the paper shows how the concept of corporate bias enables analysts to engage with the question of the interests served in pharmaceutical development and regulation. The paper highlights how, due to corporate bias, regulation can work unfairly in the interests primarily of the pharmaceutical industry and to the detriment of patient and public health. Finally, the paper discusses the permissive principle, where benefits are assumed to outweigh risks in pharmaceutical regulation. The presence of permissiveness means that pharmaceutical products that lack benefit or are unsafe may nevertheless achieve regulatory approval – potentially meaning inefficient spending or use of healthcare resources, as well as unfairly serving commercial interests over the patient and public health interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic research lies at the core of national bioeconomies and is a strategic area for national scientific competitiveness. Drawing on the UK’s latest national vision on genomic research and my participation in one of China’s policy consultations on its implementing rules on human genetic resources, this paper demonstrates how China’s conception of ‘biosovereignty’ may be counterproductive, both to its scientific competitiveness and to the health of its people. The key argument is that ‘biosovereignty’ is not a property of an individual, a community, or an institution. Rather it is a powerful assemblage of ideals, infrastructures and network of capitals that steers our collective future. It is simultaneously a social contract and a social construct, both of which are evolving with socio-technical realities. The paper provokes reflections on the role of the state in promoting equitable genomic research and the question on what ‘biosovereignty’ means and how it should be represented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regime complexes have been discussed in international literature as an intervening variable which bring about policy coherence at national levels. There is a dearth of literature which examines aspects related to the link between global biodiversity regime, national policy coherence and sustainable development goals (SDGs) reporting. By taking the case study of India and using liberal institutional approaches and critical appraisal, this paper seeks to analyse the role of SDGs reporting for promoting coherence between the international biodiversity regime complex and country level planning. This paper will have implications for praxis on biodiversity and sustainable development policy as well as have implications for theory related to liberal institutional scholarship. This paper argues that while the normative scope of the global biodiversity regime has evolved to encompass principles such as scientific enquiry as well as sustainable development, national level reporting on biodiversity related SDGs have to still catch up to facilitate better policy coherence at all levels. Further the paper also calls for a greater science-policy interface to supplement SDG reporting framework towards better understanding of conservation and ecosystem services aspects of biodiversity in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, governance of technology is left primarily to nationstates. Emerging technology often challenges this governance approach, mainly when technology circulates across national boundaries. This paper explores the potential of model legislation to integrate the traditional approach to make technology governance more robust internationally. Model legislation comprises various strategies aimed at developing regulatory instruments that can form the basis of regulation at the national level. Using advances in technology to modify the human germline, the paper analyses transnational challenges governing this technology and argues that some of the lessons learned by studying how UNCITRAL, a United Nations body, develops model legislation can be successfully applied to the governance of human germline gene editing. The paper advocates for developing comprehensive model legislation and legislative guides around human gene editing, which lawmakers and regulators at the national level can use to model legal reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Science and policy are human constructs to understand biodiversity. This paper attempts to review the relationship between science and policy for biodiversity in India. It has been found that sciences and policies/programmes for biodiversity were shaped by national objectives and commitment to global and transnational goals for the planet’s well-being, where biodiversity is an integral part of planetary well-being. The paper also shows how utilitarianism marked both research as well as policies and programmes with respect to biodiversity. Biodiversity conservation demands policies that are not just about economic gains within a plan period, but about larger conservation, threats to survival (species extinction), and inter-generational time scales. Given the global emphasis on biodiversity conservation particularly in the context of climate change and food security, country like India needs to balance multiple demands and multiple stakeholder’s interests. The relationship between science and policy for biodiversity Post independence in India has converged for increasing utility from natural resources and simultaneously increasing human wellbeing. There is a need for biodiversity policy in the country to be fed by robust science and different knowledge forms where biodiversity is understood not only as a species or breed to be conserved but the system’s heterogeneity and the ontology of biodiversity to ensure sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK has been a global leader in the development and regulation of biobanks and bio-databases that facilitate clinical and laboratory access to tissue, blood samples, DNA and data. Yet the persistent barrier to mobilise non-White communities into actively contributing to and, subsequently benefiting from structural and scientific advantages that the UK can offer constitutes a ‘Silent Crisis’. This paper builds on ongoing research on stem cell donations carried out by the authors in the UK. We underline the centrality of the concept of ‘relatedness’ in donor recruitment, and the tricky role it has played, both as a uniting and an alienating force within and between different ethnic communities. We argue that the building of a thick societal relatedness or what we term as ‘polyphonic relatedness’ offers a constructive guidance to overcome the racial disparity in biomaterial donations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This short commentary discusses the continuing role of war and militarism in the development of biotechnologies. I follow current and past events in the US related to the establishment of a formal structure - an intelligence community-led advanced research projects agency - where the military can interact with the market and act as an incubator and a consumer of new (bio)technologies. I contrast this traditional united-statian approach with the current way the Brazilian Science, Technology and Innovation System is organized. The paper discusses the implications of these fundamentally different ways of producing (bio)technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centella asiatica (commonly known as gotu kola, the Chinese name is Jixuecao) has a long history of application and is widely used in many countries. Ethnobotanical fieldwork with Buyi villagers in Guizhou Province, China revealed that Centella asiatica is one of the most frequently consumed herbal teas. This paper reports on the nutritional value of Centella asiatica and some preparation methods for a new complex health care tea that we developed with it. The main objective of this short case study is to reflect on the social and ethical implications of developing a commercial tea product based on traditional ethnobotanical knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital sequence information (DSI) is crucial to technological advancements in diverse product areas from agriculture to environment and therapeutics. Advances in DNA sequencing technology have made it possible to generate and share vast amounts of genetic information data of various organisms at the global level at a relatively low cost. Advocates of open science support open access to DSI of genetic resources stored in public and private databases in silos. Due to the existing conundrum over the application of ABS mechanism under the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) and its Nagoya Protocol(NP) to intangible genetic data, much of the DSI usage is happening without obtaining Prior Informed Consent(PIC) of provider countries and communities, a mandatory requirement for access and utilisation of genetic material. This is hampering the negotiations under the CBD and NP framework for sharing of benefits of commercial utilisation of the resources with the resource providers. Allowing free access to genetic resource sequence information without PIC and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) will be detrimental to the interests of indigenous peoples and local communities who foster and preserve biodiversity in their jurisdictions. The paper examines the issues and arguments surrounding DSI and investigates the possibility and prospects of applying the ABS under the CBDNP framework to DSI. It will analyse the negotiations taking place under the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity as well as the decisions on DSI that arrived in the COP15(Committee of Parties) held in Montreal in December 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperation in areas of science & technology is a crucial element in the India-Australia strategic partnership. Both countries have promoted research & innovation in the areas of biotechnology through research grants, exchange of scholars, visits of Indian scholars to Australian institutions, etc. Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund for Collaborative Research Projects was established under the Indo-Australia innovations partnership. Research relating to Biotechnology in the fields of agriculture, food security, biomedical devices and implants, and marine sciences has been of prime focus in the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF). Research promotion in biological systems is one of the crucial areas in recent initiatives taken by both countries in advancing critical and emerging technologies. Today Indian agriculture & allied sectors face numerous challenges from climate change, drought, declining water levels, and substantial losses to crop pests, including insects, rodents, nematodes, fungal pathogens, bacteria, viruses, etc. Abiotic stresses like drought, extreme temperatures, salinity, and mineral toxicity negatively impact the growth of crops. New challenges, therefore, require energizing science diplomacy for greater collaboration with nations, which have developed scientific cultures and advanced systems of facilitating and nurturing innovations in the field of biotechnology and agriculture sciences. In the broader policy framework of science diplomacy, science & technology cooperation, including new technology for the agriculture sector, has been a crucial element of Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy. In addition to bilateral initiatives, the scope for India-Australia science & technology cooperation through multilateral formats such as G20 and Quad should be explored. In this context, the article analyses the India-Australia cooperation in biotechnology and how it can be further expanded in addressing new areas. The paper also analyses India-Australia cooperation and offers an overview of Indo-Australian Career Boosting Gold Fellowships from the Department of Biotechnology and first-hand research experience of La Trobe University, Melbourne, under the programme. IACBGF has been instrumental in widening the exposure and capacity building of independent young researchers working in the domain of biotechnology in Indian academic institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patent as a rewarding system to the inventor has been in vogue for more than six hundred years. This has resulted in major innovations that have revolutionised our lives besides saving millions of lives and eradicating deadly diseases. But over the years the corporations rather than scientists or technocrats have become the claimants and owners of patents. In the process the balance between incentivisation and patenting for control has been lost and this has resulted in major questions on the objectives and functioning of the intellectual property rights regimes, particularly in the case of drugs and pharmaceuticals. In this paper the idea of value pluralism is used to develop an alternative perspective and it is illustrated with two case studies. It is contended that this approach is suitable for countries like India. It is important to explore the alternatives like Prizes, Open Source Drug Discovery and other ideas that seek to overcome the problems with the patent law and practice. Since patents on medical innovations is also an issue of access and affordability to life saving drugs, devices and treatments, a narrow view on patents and innovation is not sufficient. This paper examines the values and choices before the society and calls for a rethinking in our approach to invention and incentivisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gujarat is one of India’s most bio-diverse states and is very rich in biological diversity with regards to Asiatic lion, indigenous cow breeds (Gir), indigenous Kesar mango, microbes, insects, and bryophytes etc. Access and benefit sharing (ABS) clause through an additional CBD protocol known as the Nagoya Protocol for the Utilisation of Biological Resources and shared between users and providers for the protection of biological resources. In India, in line with this notion, the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Rules, 2004 were enacted by the Parliament of India. For this paper, data related to Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), and the status of applications for access and benefit sharing in states was gathered and analysed for the status of the implementation of access and benefit sharing (ABS) from biological resources in Gujarat. Moreover, the level of awareness among the prominent users (industries) of biological resources related to access and benefit sharing (ABS) was assessed through the generation of a telephonic questionnaire survey of different sets of questions. The research discusses an outlook on access and benefit sharing (ABS) of biological resources in Gujarat State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Science and Technology (S&T) are the key contributing factors in shaping the economic growth of nations. Despite the fact that S&T impacts the growth processes, the assessment of this relationship is not simple, as there are also a number of other factors that impact growth. The present paper describes the findings of the study that analyzed the relationship between 'science and technology (S&T) inputs' and economic growth as represented by 'Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP)' at the district level. This distinctive study contributed to the identification of 'S&T Indicators' in three sectors of the economy viz; agriculture, industry and services and also developed 'Index of S&T Indicators' for five Indian districts. The empirical findings of the study clearly exhibited that technological interventions in all three sectors have a great impact on the growth of the districts. The study thus sets a new pathway in its approach to constructing the relationship between technology and economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the lessons from India and China in Bt cotton, this paper argues that emerging linkages between regulation, promoting innovation and access to innovation call for a new approach. Intellectual property rights and regulatory regimes may constrain diffusion and usage of technology. In the new approach, state’s intervention through appropriate policies for promoting innovation is important and Socio-Economic assessment of technologies should also play a role in policy formulation. The emerging concept of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) can be useful in framing the new approach. The paper points out that understanding of access to and availability of innovations can be linked with the RRI framework, and a coherent policy framework that promotes both access and responsible innovation can be developed. It also points out that this framework will facilitate development of socially relevant innovations and will also be useful in addressing controversies in development and use of innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of climate change, countries all over the world are making numerous efforts to transition to a bio-based economy from a fossil fuel-based economy. This paper looks at the motivations and policy initiatives in India that drive the transition to a bio-based economy. This article focusses on the bioenergy sector and the comparative analysis of the historical developments in the biofuels domain leading to the biofuel policies of 2009 and 2018. As a potential contributor to bio-based economy by ensuring energy self-reliance, clean energy and increasing farmers income, this article analyses the shifts in the policies, the technical trajectories. It examines the opportunities and challenges in developing and harnessing the advanced biofuels and the initiatives taken in recent years in this regard. It points out that there are many challenges and highlights the importance of engaging with stakeholders in development of policy. Considering the opportunities, the issues that could arise and the potential and need for biofuels for energy security and to fulfil other objectives, it makes some suggestions for policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective translation of scientific advancement for health benefits needs integration of ethical values which can guide better outcomes and help to connect with the society to reap the fruits of knowledge. As gene editing procedures are evolving with a promise to offer a cure for innumerable diseases, the time is right to put in place a suitable governance framework which integrates the ethical and moral values to enable an appropriate use of the proposed technological advancements. The paper discusses the need to include ethical considerations, improved communications, ensure transparency and accountability, accessibility and affordability, building capacity, collaborations, and defined regulatory processes in order to have a better uptake as well as to build public trust in the technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical genomics has moved significantly from human genome sequencing project uncovering millions of variations across the genome to identifying disease specific variants in a substantial number of human genetic disorders. Understanding the molecular basis of single gene disorders (SGDs) in particular, has opened up possibilities of i) notable prediction and prevention with powerful diagnostic tool development and ii) improved cure/treatment. The revolutionary Nobel prize winning CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing tool to precisely correct a disease causing mutation in somatic or germ cells is the recent one in personalised medicine. This technology has immense applications across life sciences but its clinical use, in human heritable genome editing (HHGE) in particular combined with Assisted Reproductive Technology and Pre-implantation diagnostics should be tread with caution. Scientific evidence for its safety, specificity, efficacy; the consequences of potential off-targets; and more insights into human embryogenesis are essential for its clinical translation. In this paper, we address these issues and highlight the rare group of prospective parents with a SGD where HHGE is the only option to have a healthy biological (genetically related) child. A brief note on the current limitations and the accompanying ethical issues of this technology for clinical use is also added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ownership is an important tenant of societies; it can be studied as a legal notion, a psychological one, or an anthropological one. In the context of new technological developments, ownership becomes important in terms of determining access, and sharing benefits and responsibilities. In the recent years, field of ethics for technology and notion of moral responsibility for risks have developed rapidly. When one considers use of biotechnology in agriculture, two main debates stand out--concerning risks and ownerships. This paper discusses a new way to conceive ownership anchored on ethics of technology and on practical philosophy literature, and points out moral responsibility of owners for stopping uncertain risks of genetically modified (GM) seeds. Doing so would allow an understanding of different narratives around GM seeds and would pinpoint observations morally desirable when risks are to be dealt with. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa is among the African countries that have taken initiatives to develop biotechnology industry to meet the persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. This study analyse the Biotechnology Innovation System of South Africa using the three building blocks of sectoral system of innovation (SSI). It also benchmarks South African performance with that of other BRICS countries such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. Although the South African biotechnology market is quite small compared to other BRICS countries, its potential to grow is high. The scholarly publication patterns from the Medline database show that the knowledge base in this sector is small compared to other countries. However the South African scholarly papers are highly cited. This shows their relevance at the global level. The patent portfolio is also very small and limited to a few technological categories. The publication and patent portfolios show that university research output is not readily being translated into commercial products. Although there are many examples of university spinoff firms in biotechnology, findings from this study emphasis the need for a stronger university-industry relationship to encourage innovation for entrepreneurial start-ups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citizens and their organisations in liberal democratic countries criticise public policies as they have little or no knowledge as to what goes into the public policy making. In this context, questions like what is the nature, origin, status and relative influence of evidence from different sources in the decision-making process assume centrality. The present paper addresses these questions by focussing on the decision of the Government of India in 2010 to impose moratorium on the commercial release of GM brinjal. The present study is ex-post facto analysis of proceedings of the public consultations held in seven cities by the then Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India and other sources of data which the Minister made use of in announcing the moratorium. The study explores the interpretation that was given to evidence-based policy making by the Government of India represented by the MOEF&CC. On the basis of the findings, the study argues that the scientific evidence provided by the relevant regulatory committee to the Minister for commercial release was seen by the Minister as inadequate for evolving a policy which has economic, social cultural and environmental implications. The study clearly shows that the evidence-based policy making, based on positivist/empiricist methods has epistemological limitations to deal with socio-economic considerations which are linked to values. The study proposes that the Post-Normal Science (PNS) provides an alternative framework which recognises the significance of fact-value interrelations in the analysis of dynamic interaction between science and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst the many claims made on the benefits and risks of Genetically Engineered (GE) crops worldwide, various meta-analysis of the related literature have been done in the recent times. The present paper attempts to reflect on one such meta-analysis-based report published by the US National Academies of Sciences (NAS) recently. This report includes the observations and recommendations of the Committee charged for preparing this report on the prospects of genetic engineering and regulation of current and future GE crops. The summary of the observations made by the Report on themes such as agronomic and environmental effects; human health effects and social and economic effects are presented in this paper along with the responses, relevance and implications of the report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper focuses broadly on changes to legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to intellectual property (IP) and agricultural biotechnology in multiple territories across the world. Specific evolutions of interest include changes to patentability requirements surrounding genetic material, the expanded availability of IP mechanisms to protect new varieties of plants, and implementations of and reforms to regulatory regimes governing biosafety for genetically modified organisms. The overall purpose of the paper is to provide a general overview of global trends, so that the reader may better navigate a shifting landscape of IP laws and regulatory requirements related to agricultural biotechnology innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What capacities are needed on the part of policymakers in areas such as the agri-food biotechnology sector in order to attain excellence at the individual, organisational and systemic levels of regulatory operation? To address this question, this paper draws upon work recently carried out on regulatory excellence by the Penn Programme on Regulation and couples it with recent studies on how to build policy capacity. Derived from a multi-jurisdiction, multi-sector review of regulation, the Penn programme identified three core areas or ‘pillars’ of regulatory excellence – namely, stellar competence, empathic engagement and utmost integrity –which reflect the kinds of individual actions of a regulator, the traits of the regulator as an organisation, and the broad systemic outcomes of regulation which are needed for excellent performance. This work does not examine what is needed on the part of public organisations to achieve these goals, however, and to this end, the paper draws upon a second set of recent studies into the various types of policy capacities that affect policy-making to illustrate what regulators must do in order to achieve excellence. Examples from agri-food biotechnology regulation are used to illustrate the concepts of, and prerequisites for, achieving regulatory capacity and excellence in this sector, although the lessons and implications are also valid in many others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the intersection of genetics, health and society in India by focusing on the state of Gujarat. Based on the empirical study using in-depth interviews, supplemented by analysis of government documents and meta analysis of the articles published in the area, it deals with the genetic tests which are based on the detection of mutations in any gene of the human body which are believed to be the cause of genetic disorders. It attempts to understand the present status of genetic testing and the socio-economic background of the people who opt for the testing. By using insights from the science and technology studies (STS) and taking actor-network theory (ANT) as conceptual framework, it tries to view genetic testing as a heterogeneous set of practices and tools. Gene has been enrolled as a non-human ‘actant’ here and subsequently linked to the ‘network of actants’. Here, it is argued that the heterogeneity of the genetic tests and screening requires a range of regulatory mechanisms. The paper also focusses on the need of better infrastructure in terms of laboratories and trained personnel. It also highlights the importance of community leaders to deal with the screening and management of genetic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome-editing offers great potential applications in various sectors including healthcare, agriculture and environment. With the advent of CRISPR technology, which is easily available and inexpensive, the advancement in this domain has been rapid in the recent times. However, there have been various concerns raised around the possible unintended consequences of its application, particularly in reference to human germline modifications; and the associated ethical issues and challenges related to its regulation and governance. This paper discusses the genome-editing technology, its applications, existing regulatory paradigm (with special reference to India), emerging ethical concerns and challenges related to its governance. Finally, it concludes by suggesting a way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While bioeconomy as a concept has been used by many countries in the world in policy and strategy development not many countries in Asia have used this concept. This paper discusses how Asian countries can use biotechnology and various omics technologies to address their pressing problems and develop strong bioeconomies. The paper explores the potential and limitations for using different technologies in Asia and points out that as these technologies can be applied in different sectors ranging from aquaculture to forestry. They will enable Asia to meet the problems in effective utilisation of biomass and address critical problems like food security. These applications will result in economic gains and better returns on investments. While the potential to reconcile industrial production with food needs is yet to be fully realised as these technologies can enable better utilisation of waste and related biomaterials by turning them into feed stocks, they provide many opportunities to Asian countries in meeting diverse needs and reconciling multiple demands from similar resources. Application of biotechnology, omics technologies, synthetic biology and green chemistry can be the enabling technologies for the biorevolution that may usher in better bioeconomies in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three decades of work in the feminist studies of science and technology have shaped our evolving understandings of the relationships between sex, gender, and biotechnology. Sex, and gender are most often reduced to binary categories, severely limiting our conceptions not only of human diversity, but those of science and technology. Using two case study set in India, transnational surrogacy and the Indian Genome Variation Project, this paper explores how popular positions around biotechnology are reduced to binary positions promoting and opposing biotechnology as the solution for the economic and social development of India. By locating surrogacy and genomics within the larger geopolitical, historical, economic and cultural transformations of postcolonial India, the paper argues that both technologies are far more complex in their impact on women and gender. Why does technology become the major site of hope for the future? Why does genomics become the site for the promises of good health? Why has India become a site for reproductive tourism, and transnational surrogacy in particular? Drawing on the social studies of science, the paper argues that technology and human bodies are never neutral but always prefigured with a gender, race, caste and sexuality. Surrogacy and genomics should be understood within these colonial and postcolonial histories of science and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 21st century India is still battling with issues of accessibility, affordability and availability of quality health to masses. It is also facing a myriad of challenges and opportunities for development of indigenous, low cost, and accessible technologies with the influence from cultural diversity, demographic dividend and geographical segmentation leading to varied needs as per the regional conditions of climate, disease prevalence, nutrition and sanitation. Affordable innovative solutions are to be generated and translated to resolve various health issues of diverse India. To understand country's need for attainment of the holistic slogan of 'health for all', a regional (East-West- North-South) analysis was conducted based on the state-level disease burden report 2017. Then the entire translation ecosystem was summarized detailing significance of each stakeholder and regional health-care translation strength to project translation scenario of the country. This paper has emphasized on the essentiality to strengthen translation capacity of each region to meet diverse health-care needs of the people. It has proposed to establish a robust translation ecosystem for innovative indigenous medical technologies by adopting regional establishment of technology transfer entities with focused translation as per the needs of a particular region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments in technology have opened many options in genome editing. Concerns are raised on ethical aspects in genome editing, particularly in human genome, and they have resulted in a wider debate on means and ends in human genome editing. Although there is no consensus on governance of human-genome editing; countries have initiated steps to govern human-genome editing, considering immense scope it offers, risks posed and lines that divide for what is permissible as an experiment vis a vis what is permissible as a therapy or a treatment. This paper gives an overview of the global debate and the Indian perspective. It suggests recommendations for a way forward so that governance is based on the sound ethical principles and considerations, and, society as a whole benefits without hampering interests of the generations to come and through an approach that balances risks and benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bayer-Monsanto merger has triggered a fresh debate about its potential implications on the agricultural biotechnology sector. The increasing concentration of agricultural innovations in the handful of giant companies raises concerns for policy-makers and a range of stakeholders, comprising scientists, farmers, inventors, breeders and small and medium business enterprises. The controversial past of both the companies in different parts of the world and particularly in India creates suspicion as to the functioning of the merged entity. The merger coincides with the progression of an important case on agricultural biotechnology based on Monsanto-Nuziveedu contest that reached the Supreme Court of India after passing through Delhi High Court decision. The legal journey of this case reflects IP climate of India for agricultural biotechnology, highlighting the uncertainties and potential gaps as to the operability of two conflicting legislations, the Patents Act 1970 and the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers' Rights Act 2001. Against this backdrop, the present paper attempts to analyse two important aspects: first potential implications of merger of Bayer-Monsanto on agricultural sector, particularly in India, and second evolving jurisprudence on IPR relating to agricultural biotechnology in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including implications of anthropocene; and role of intellectual property rights in agricultural biotechnology; and contribution of Sachin Chaturvedi as editor of the periodical.

Genome editing offers great potential to advance both fundamental science and therapeutic applications in the domain of healthcare. It can be used to control many genetic diseases as well as to prevent heritable transmission of genetic diseases. However, at the same time, there are concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of this technology. There are also various ethical, legal and societal issues associated with it, which requires to be dealt with before plunging into its full-fledge development. This paper discusses insights from the recently published NAS Report, which could be helpful in understanding the nature and broader implications of this technology for better assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world's total forest area is just over 4 billion hectares, or 31 per cent of the total land area. Forests provide wood, timber and a vast array of products and services. Forests also play a very significant role in carbon sequestration and host much of the world's biodiversity. Forest trees have unique characteristics, including high heterozygosity, long generation intervals, vulnerability to inbreeding depression, narrow regional adaptation and the fact that the majority of the species are undomesticated, thus generating unique challenges and opportunities for biotechnology applications. Biotechnology has advanced considerably in the last decade and has contributed to improving characterisation, conservation and utilisation strategies for genetic resources, as well as advanced technologies for mass propagation, genetic improvement and biomass utilisation. Forest biotechnology is developing along a separate path from crop biotechnology. It is expanding very rapidly; covers an increasing number of taxa; and is no longer restricted to tree species used in plantation forestry. However, forest trees have received less attention than crop plants and domestic animals. The development and application of biotechnology are progressing at a much lower pace in developing countries than in industrialised countries. This paper briefly reviews the development of biotechnology and discusses its current and potential application in the forestry sector, with special attention to smallholders and to tropical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopharmaceuticals have raised many hopes of improving the quality of life. However, the increasing cost of treatment has raised many questions regarding its access in the context of multiple inequalities. The arrival of the patent cliff in this sector has given rise to biosimilars. This development has not only opened up an enormous global market but also a possibility of a significant drop in their prices, improving the healthcare system by meeting worldwide demand at affordable price, reduction in cost of production and patent maintenance. These possibilities have led to greater rush towards seizing this opportunity by all kind of firms leading to the competitive market environment. Hence, the present paper revolves around crucial questions whether this rush will divert the attention from R&D efforts of the discovery of new drugs and keep the focus away from the neglected diseases? Whether it will widen the medical divide and reinforce the existing inequalities? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crops derived through genetic modifications (GM) are grown by millions of farmers in developing and developed countries around the world and the area under cultivation of GM crops is growing each year. However, policymakers and other stakeholders in many developing countries are concerned with biotechnology and are debating the acceptance of the technology. There is a lot of misunderstanding, misperception, and fear regarding crops and foods products derived through genetic engineering (GE). This paper presents feedback perception of a diverse group of international stakeholders from more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe on GM product development process, regulation and communication strategies adopted in their respective countries. The study reveals that negative public perception and anti-GMO activism are the two most dominant forces against the development and adoption of GM crops. Safety of food and environment, farmers' rights, and monopolies of global agribusinesses were the most serious concerns raised by the stakeholders, with food safety ranked as the number one concern. While the media and scientists were the most dominant sources of information on biotechnology and biosafety issues, scientists were identified as the most trusted sources of information. The findings of this study provide valuable information to designing biotechnology and biosafety education, awareness, and outreach programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene editing technologies are revolutionising plant biotechnology. They allow for the rapid editing of multiple genes with either mutational, cisgenic, or transgenic approaches. They are also challenging regulations in several countries, as definitions and processes are based upon first generation methods for genetic engineering. In this paper, we present results from a U.S. study investigating the attitudes of subject matter experts (SMEs) towards the governance of genome editing. We find some areas where SMEs seem to agree, including the need for pre-market oversight and stakeholder engagement. However, the SMEs had different visions as to the novelty of the technology, primary issues of concern, hopes for the technology, and what specifically should be done in a regulatory context. Key narratives arose including the view that gene editing provides an new opportunity to rethink the oversight of agricultural biotechnology to improve existing systems (adapter view), that gene editing although revolutionary should undergo less regulation than 1st generation biotechnology (technohype-hyporeg view), and that gene editing makes the engineering process so easy that risk analysis and the regulatory system might not be able to accommodate the speed of development and thus greater caution is warranted. Current policy debates are revealing these differing perspectives,and formal decisions about how to govern this next generation of agricultural biotechnology are pending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomedical industry in India is developing rapidly and the share of new biological drugs is increasing in the pharmaceutical market based on people’s needs. There has also been significant increase during the past decades in the understanding of diseases, developing new diagnostic technologies and new medicines for better prevention and treatment of illness. The paper explores the development of the biomedical industry in India with respect to public and private investment, market, human resource development, infrastructure, research and development (R&D), industry involvement, financial institutions, regulatory framework and government initiatives to encourage R&D for new drugs. It also focuses on the link between regulatory policies and their impact on innovation and technology capability development in the Indian biomedical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the determinants of the adoption of Bt cotton and its impacts on the production structure as well as on health, using farm household data collected from 160 Bt and 40 conventional cotton farmers located in North India. In the first step, Logit regression results show that both economic factors (viz. the expenses of insecticide use and health costs due to insecticide use) and social factors (viz. number of information sources, a network dummy and education level of households) have a positive and significant influence on the adoption of Bt cotton. In the second step, Cobb Douglas regression results found a significant and positive influence of Bt cotton technology, amount of irrigation and fertiliser on cotton production. Finally, cost of illness findings demonstrated lower health costs for the Bt cotton farmers, due to lower insecticide use as compared to the conventional cotton farmers. Empirical findings provide useful insights to the policymakers for targeting policies and programmes for the improvement of Bt and conventional cotton production in addition to reducing health hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth as well as wellbeing for all. Economic activities ultimately depend on ecological assets and their capacity for provisioning primary resources and life-supporting ecological services (Costanza et al. 2014; Georgescu-Roegen 1971); managing the latter is becoming a central issue for decision-makers worldwide (CBD 2010; UN et al. 2014). Thus, living within the limits of the biosphere's ecological assets is a necessary condition for global sustainability, which can be quantitatively measured and must be met to achieve SDGs. This paper provides a summary of key findings from a joint research project undertaken by Global Footprint Network and the Keidanren Conservation Nature Fund reviewing ecological asset balances for member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and discusses implications on sustainable development in the Philippines, an ASEAN country that has been experiencing rapid economic growth in recent years. It also provides an in-depth analysis of the trade links and dependencies in ASEAN. This analysis utilises two methodologies: National Footprint Accounting (NFA) and Environmentally Extended Multi-Regional Input Output analysis (MRIO) for the Ecological Footprint to conclude with an overview of the biocapacity and Ecological Footprint of ASEAN nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 70th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is expected to adopt the Post 2015 Development Agenda that includes a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015. For the first time, biodiversity finds a prominent spot amongst the draft SDGs which is seen as a signal from the member states that they have recognized the important role of ecosystems and biodiversity in achieving sustainable development. This paper provides an overview of key issues and challenges related to the two biodiversity Goals besides suggesting a series of actions at national and global levels to achieve these Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents convergent normative and governance arrangements on the road to vulnerable population feeding and immunising and endemic epidemic diseases treatment with medical modern biotechnology materials. After a succinct review of main current applications of medical agricultural modern biotechnology in public health, this research considers normative avenues towards a medical agricultural modern biotechnology option in the implementation of the WTO-WHO Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health throughout post-Rio+20 decades. Matters related to the biological safety of medical agricultural modern biotechnology products are guaranteed by the United Nations Cartagena Protocol on biosafety provisions. Finally, this contribution shows that the Africa Rice Center offers a suitable regional academic institutional environment to conduct R&D activities on medical agricultural modern biotechnology to feed, immune and heal vulnerable populations exposed to endemic epidemic diseases and poverty in the post Rio+20 decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steering and operative aspects and components of bioeconomy in different countries that may have a determining impact on the development of the regions and on the kinds of technologies and industries coming up in the short, medium and long terms have been discussed. The flavour of bioeconomy directions and their drivers as conceived in different regions have been touched upon in monetary terms over the future years, based on available data and information. The emphasis for future development in the biotech sectors for pushing up bioeconomy is different in different regions. The stress on mastering biotechnological capabilities is also dissimilar. The developments in bioeconomy plans and programmes in the European Union, UK, USA, China, India, Japan, Brazil, ASEAN countries, South Korea and Russia have been profiled. Australian plans and programmes in synthetic biology have been included. Harnessing bioeconomy is anticipated to enable more recycling of wastes and promotion of environmental sustainability. Advancement of bioeconomy is anticipated to elevate the health, longevity and living standards of people. Contributions to global GDP are anticipated to be substantial from bioeconomy activities; the horizons of more effective newer biotechnologies are appearing fast in certain bioeconomy countries. Advancement in wealth creation by developing products involving the manipulation of genes, cell lines, and natural life forms has strong societal acceptance issues. The elements of ethics and social acceptance issues, including rights to choose and legal provisions, need to be worked upon through united global forums on a precautionary principle for an undisputed sound resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its numerous benefits to sustainability, product quality, and consumer health, the use of bio-enzymes in food systems has grown in significance. The importance of these enzymes in the creation of sustainable food is highlighted in this abstract. By increasing the bioavailability of vital nutrients and lowering the amount of anti-nutrients, bio-enzymes serve a critical role in boosting the nutritional value of food. By displacing artificial additives and preservatives, they also assist in the production of products with cleaner labels. Reduced food waste, increased shelf life, and consistency and flavour of food items are all made possible by bio-enzymes. Additionally, their eco-friendly sourcing and sustainable production methods meet the rising demand for food production that is environmentally conscious. The significance of bio-enzymes is growing in an era of increased sustainability goals, consumer awareness and environmental implications. The review presents studies on the utility of bio enzymes in food production and processing and in improving food quality, nutritional value, and safety and its role in the environmental impact and exploration of the latest technological developments and innovations in the food industry along with the identification of literature gaps and areas where research is scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transfer of technology (ToT) developed in research institutes to industry has been one of the most discussed areas in the recent past. ToT helps in accelerated commercialisation for rapid industrial growth and generates revenue for the institutes by monetising research outcomes. The role of TTOs in the process of developing, protecting intellectual property and disseminating technologies through licensing to spinouts or established companies has generated special interest. TTOs are academic or commercial entities that facilitate the management of intellectual property rights and ToT by bridging the gap between research and industrial needs. They provide support for collaboration and mediate relationships between different innovation stakeholders, namely academia and industry. The present article highlights the role and importance of TTOs in the Indian context with a backdrop of the ecosystem of developed countries. It also suggests the need for having TTO at individual research organisation for better outreach and academiaindustry connects. The study suggests a need for having a larger network of professional TTOs, harmonised policy for managing IP and technology and a robust tech-transfer system which will help all the stakeholders leading to creation of a large number of start-ups, job-creations and, overall, in building the robust innovation and tech-transfer ecosystem for industrial growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the sharp rise in world population, it is predicted that in the next 20 years, the world’s energy demand would increase by 48 per cent. Currently, fossil fuels provide 80 per cent of the world’s energy needs. However, the increasingly diminishing supply of fossil fuels combined with their damaging effects on the environment has generated a lot of interest in sustainable biofuels. This will facilitate the shift to a bioeconomy that must be carbon neutral. Biofuels are obtained from biomass like wood and straw, released by direct combustion of dry matter and converted into a gaseous and liquid fuel. In the ensuing decades, biofuels are anticipated to play a significant role in the transition to green energy and sustainable development. Due to their contribution to energy independence, urban and rural development, improvement of the ecological footprint, and decrease in carbon emissions, biofuels offer many appealing qualities. Despite technological advancements, the sustainability aspects of biofuel production methods are of inherent importance. In this review, we have discussed the significance of biofuel, the energy demand and supply statistics and how biofuels are the upcoming fuels playing a very important role in uplifting the global bioeconomy. but on the other aspect, it has been observed through various reports that the Carbon footprint of biofuel is also going to be a severe challenge in the coming days. Thus, before framing the policy on biofuel, it is necessary to look after all possible alternates to reduce the carbon footprint because unless the carbon emission remains the same issue, then the use of biofuel for global change may effect the bioeconomy with negative implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rise of global population, pollution, and the limitation of natural resources, sustainability is now becoming a fundamental requirement of industries. Sustainable processes support all the dimensions of ecological, social, and economic parameters. Industry 4.0 concept originated from the German industry, and the main aspect is the use of advanced technology for efficient production. Industry 4.0 comprises technologies such as digital technology, machine learning, robotics, Internet of Things, and cyber-physical systems etc. Industry 4.0 is capable to transform the traditional manufacturing units into smart factories. The biotechnology industry uses the principles of molecular biology, genetic engineering, and fermentation technology etc to produce a variety of products. Similar to the industrial revolution, the biotechnology industry also underwent a similar revolution. Biotechnology industry uses technologies like recombinant DNA technologies, metabolic engineering, and fermentation technologies. Biotechnological processes have certain limitations, like instability of biological catalysts, complex biological systems, and difficulties in upstream and downstream processes. Biotechnological processes are environment friendly and are considered, creating less harm to nature as compared to chemical industrial processes. In this article authors have discussed the role of Industry 4.0 technologies in the production of environmentally sustainable biotechnology products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]