Advancing Science & Technology Policy for the Next-Generation Bioeconomy
EBRC is thrilled to introduce the 2024 Journal of Science Policy & Governance (JSPG) Special Topics Issue focused on Advancing Science & Technology Policy for the Next-Generation Bioeconomy.
The 2024 Special Topics Issue highlights the potential of engineering biology and biotechnology to address societal challenges across all sectors – including health, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and the environment – and enable a more circular, sustainable bioeconomy. This issue seeks to inspire innovative ideas that may provide leaders and decision-makers with fresh perspectives, in-depth analyses, and actionable policy recommendations. Contributors explore a wide range of topics, from governance and regulatory considerations for emerging biotechnology to global and regional strategies to grow the bioeconomy, bioliteracy, and workforce development.
We are particularly excited to demonstrate alignment with the key Pillars highlighted in the 2025 report, Charting the Future of Biotechnology: An Action Plan for American Security and Prosperity, recently released by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), underscoring a comprehensive strategy to enhance and maintain robust US leadership in the global bioeconomy. Articles in this issue expand upon and provide timely insight that directly addresses the challenges and priorities outlined in the NSCEB report.
EBRC extends our gratitude to all those who submitted articles for consideration in this Special Topics Issue and to JSPG staff for their assistance in organizing webinars to help prospective authors strengthen their submissions. We are especially grateful for the JSPG reviewers and editors whose time, effort, and insights made this publication possible. We would like to congratulate all published authors and specifically highlight the awardees of the EBRC Showcase. These articles stood out for their relevance, implementation of policy recommendations and ideas, and effectiveness in bridging the gap between engineering biology and policy.
- “Governance Challenges for Direct to Consumer Genetically Engineered Organisms” by Casey Isabelle and Dalton R. George, Arizona State University;
- “Regional food biomanufacturing innovation hubs can catalyze bioeconomic growth and national security” by Erin Rees Clayton and Curt Chaffin, The Good Food Institute; and
- “Genetically Engineered Microbes for Bioremediation: Opportunities and Limitations in the Emerging Bioeconomy” by Avery M. Brewer and Dalton R. George, Arizona State University.
We would additionally like to thank the EBRC review panel, consisting of experts and leaders in engineering biology, biotechnology, and bioeconomy policy, who evaluated all accepted Special Topics Issue submissions for the EBRC Showcase award.
Read the Special Issue here!