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Biosecurity Innovation and Risk Reduction: A Global Framework for Accessible, Safe and Secure DNA Synthesis
Preface
The Fourth Industrial Revolution describes a world where new technologies
and approaches are merging the physical, digital and biological worlds in
ways that stand to transform society. Ensuring that this transformation is
positive will depend on how the risks and opportunities that arise along the
way are navigated.
Biotechnology is at the centre of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To deliver
on the promise of the biotechnology revolution, we must seize opportunities
to develop and deliver life-advancing innovations while simultaneously
and urgently addressing potential risks associated with a growing and
democratized bioeconomy. Throughout the process of developing its
recommendations, the Working Group recalled that the internet was built
without cybersecurity in mind. The same choice now lies before us, at the
beginning of the biotechnology revolution.
It is a credit to the Working Group that, as the biotechnology revolution
is creating undreamed-of possibilities for innovation and industrialization,
due consideration is given to managing risk so that the chance to build the
biotechnology revolution with biosecurity in mind is not missed.
Arnaud Bernaert
Head of Shaping the Future
of Health and Healthcare
World Economic Forum
