Biotechnology Policies

Recognising that biotechnology was (and is) driven by fundamental research and discovery, the Directorate for Science, Technology and Industry (STI) has covered this sector since 1980 and continues to follow advances in basic research on biotechnology and its applications.

What's new

International Symposium on Opportunities and Challenges in the Emerging Field of Synthetic Biology

from 09-Jul-2009 to 10-Jul-2009

Synthetic biology is a transformative set of technologies which offer great opportunities for the construction of bioengineered parts, devices and microorganisms.  However, achieving the rewards offered by synthetic biology will require addressing a range of social, economic, ethical, and legal issues as well as overcoming scientific and technical challenges.  Given the enormous promise of synthetic biology, it is critical to develop a framework and to engage the public in an informed dialogue. For more information please contact:  Marie-Ange.Baucher@oecd.org

OECD Workshop on Sustainability of Bio-based Products - Montreal, Canada

from 23-Jul-2009 to 24-Jul-2009

The workshop was held in Montreal, Canada on July 23-24, 2009. Some of the topics dicussed were:  existing sector, national, or international approaches for assessment of sustainability of bio-based products, such as bio-based chemicals, bio-based plastics, enzymes, bio-based materials, and biofuels. Please, contact Mr Alexandre Bartsev at alexandre.bartsev@oecd.org for further details.

OECD Key Biotechnology Indicators 2009

30-Jul-2009

The Key Biotechnology Indicators brings together the latest available economic and activity data on biotechnology and innovation, collected by OECD member and non-member countries.

Metrics to Support Informed Decision-making for Consumers of Biobased Products

20-Mar-2009

The document focuses on efforts in the United States to develop metrics to support sound decision choices by industry and consumers in the selection and use of biobased products. Public policy initiatives have been important in spurring the movement toward increased use of biobased products in the effort to lighten the U.S. environmental footprint and enhance its energy security. This has included developing metrics based on sound science that also provide useful information to inform consumer selections of biobased products.

OECD Expert Workshop on Knowledge Markets in Life Sciences

22-Oct-2008

The Biotechnology Division of the OECD organized an experts workshop on “Knowledge Markets in the Life Sciences” in Washington, DC on October 16-17, 2008.  Its purpose was to explore whether Knowledge Markets could be more broadly used and to identify what governments may need to do to help make such new markets become a reality. This workshop is the first policy meeting to consider what new exchange mechanisms improve access to and use of the vast amounts of data, knowledge and information created in the biomedical sciences. 

OECD Expert Workshop on Biomarkers and Targetted Therapies

22-Oct-2008

At a workshop organized by the OECD Biotechnology Division in October in the United Kingdom, experts discussed how to improve the development and use of biomarkers in health care.  Topics included:  data and knowledge sharing for biomarker research; the creation of an evidence base and the clinical evaluation of biomarkers; the regulatory and policy framework  for safe and efficient development of biomarkers; and business models for biomarker discovery, development and commercialization.

Genetics and Genomics

24-Oct-2008

The OECD Working Party on Biotechnology is developing Council Guidelines on human biobanks and genetic research databases (HBGRDs) through an expert group of member countries. The Guidelines are intended to assist both OECD and non-OECD governments in the development of policies applicable to HBGRDs and to provide guidance for private and public sector HBGRDs.

Biotechnology, Innovation and Health

24-Oct-2008

The links between innovation, productivity, health and wealth are recognised by many countries and the need to encourage innovation is also apparent.  Investing in and  encouraging innovation is a priority for many jurisdictions as is the affordability, quality  and sustainability of healthcare systems.

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