Synthetic Biology in Australia, China, and India: Insights from Asia and Pacific Research Center, Japan Science and Technology Agency

A report on opportunities, challenges, and collaboration in synthetic biology across Australia, China, and India

TOKYO, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Synthetic biology, an interdisciplinary and transformative field combining biology and engineering, is revolutionizing healthcare, agriculture, and energy. As the world enters this era of "synthetic biology," the Asia-Pacific region is poised to become a global leader, driven by emerging trends in synthetic biology research, patents, and enhanced global collaboration.

A recent report by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, published in March 2024 by the Asia and Pacific Research Center (APRC), details a comprehensive analysis of advancements in synthetic biology across the Asia-Pacific region. The report explores key policies, emerging global research trends, and international collaborations, focusing on Australia, China, and India. It also compared data from the United States with that from Australia, India, and China to understand their collaborative potential with Japan.

Australia promotes synthetic biology as a critical technology through initiatives like the National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA). "With predictions that synthetic biology will become a $700 billion industry globally by 2040, Australia is positioned to become a competitive leader in the Asia-Pacific region," reports APRC. However, the gap between research and commercialization needs to be bridged for Australia.

China integrates national and local policies in its synthetic biology strategy, with significant funding under the 14^th Five-Year Plan and the National Key Research Program, and leads in green biomanufacturing and efforts towards linking research applications with carbon-neutral policies. Related trends include development of genetic databases and moves to nurture journals in biotechnology.

India's National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2021–2025) and AMRIT Grand Challenge initiatives highlight a growing interest in synthetic biology, focusing on health, agriculture, and climate change, with strong public-private partnerships for industrial applications.

An analysis of global publication trends reveals that prominent research areas in synthetic biology showed an emerging trend in the fields of CRISPR-Cas, DNA data storage, and multiplexed genome editing. Also, according to APRC, "The number of patents published by China is higher compared to that of other countries, demonstrating a proactive stance towards patent applications in the emerging biotechnology field."

While Australia and India may not have reached the same levels of publication as the United States, China, and Japan, they have been consistently contributing in recent years. The APRC report also highlights overlapping strengths among Australia, Japan, and India in areas like CRISPR-Cas, directed evolution, and cell-free systems. Collaborative opportunities in complementary fields, such as codon optimization, DNA data storage, and bioprospecting, could enhance their global impact. Through strategic partnerships, these nations can drive sustainable innovations and address global challenges.

"In a field of intense global competition and rapid technological advancement, the focus should lie on strengthening research platforms and intensifying joint research with leading international research institutions in mutually beneficial areas," concludes APRC.

Reference
Advances and Challenges in the Emerging Technology Field of "Synthetic Biology" in Australia, China and India
https://sj.jst.go.jp/publications/researchreports/index.html#fy21_rr05_en

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SOURCE Asia and Pacific Research Center, Japan Science and Technology Agency