Unleashing the Promise of Biotechnology to Help Heal, Fuel, and Feed the World

Abstract The biotechnology industry is helping to heal, fuel, and feed the world and create significant societal and economic value. Health biotechnology is transforming the practice of medicine by providing new and better ways to detect, treat, and prevent disease at the molecular level. Biotech crops are increasing yields to improve food security and also bring significant environmental, economic and nutritional benefits ( http://www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/pocketk/27/default.asp ). Animal biotechnology helps increase and improve livestock production. Industrial biotechnology is transforming the methods of manufacturing many old products and makes new products possible. Biorefineries are producing renewable fuels, renewable chemicals, and other products that are key components of an emerging biobased economy. These technologies which include tissue engineering, stacked traits in bioengineered plants, and synthetic biology will enable even more transformative products in the future. The biotechnology industry grew under an environment of favorable public policy which was vital for supporting the early development of the biotechnology industry. Therefore, maintaining favorable policies is a critical element for continued expansion of its products and success for future biotechnology entrepreneurs.