Context
Recently, to improve the economy in an environmental and employment friendly manner, the Union Cabinet has recently cleared what has to come as BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy, which is one of the substantial steps in achieving the green economy impact of India.
Key Objectives
- This policy seeks to drive high-performance bio-manufacturing, circular Bioeconomy and to meet key national challenges of climate change, food security, and public health.
- Encourage the enhancement and market application of technology in the field of biotechnology
- Encourage the use of green growth strategies for development of the regenerative bioeconomy
- Increase the employment of Indian trained manpower across its economy, especially in the biotechnology industry.
- Promote other governmental strategies such as ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and ‘Lifestyle for Environment’.
Strategic Approach
The structure of the BioE3 policy entails innovation-oriented assistance to R & D and new venture creation in thematic sectors. It establishes:
- Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs to advance biotechnologies and AI advanced to foster new research and development.
- Biofoundry in order to make Al, an academic proof of concept into a commercial product.
- Stresses the need for the regeneration of models of ‘green growth’ bioeconomy path for sustainable development
Thematic Sectors
The policy addresses critical societal issues through strategic/thematic sectors like:The policy addresses critical societal issues through strategic/thematic sectors like:
- A comprehensive research on bio-based chemicals with industrial potential
- Biotherapeutic medicines in health care
- Adaptation to climate variation for production of food.
- Carbon capture and its sustainable use for environmental purposes
- Marine and space research with an emphasis on the expansion of the frontiers.
Benefits
- Sustainable development for green growth and regenerative bio economy as a model
- Global competitiveness through the creation of biotechnology cluster in India
- Towards a ’Net Zero’ carbon economy by justifying Carbon Capture and Utilisation
- Using creativity to solve important problems of mankind such as the global warming, famine and diseases.
Implementation Strategy
This policy will be the coordinated effort of governments, industries, academia and civil society. It will involve:
- Also integration of a BioE3 Council responsible for the implementation of policies.
- Establishment of BioE3 Fund A Fund to support research and development and the promotion of Biotechnology entrepreneurship
- Developing an Online BioE3 Portal which will help in the distribution of knowledge and coordination between various stakeholders.
Conclusion
- BioE3 policy enunciates the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat and creates a direction for a future that is sustainable with skills, innovation and preparedness for global context.
- The resources invested in industrialization of Biology will encourage circular and sustainable practices thus contributing to India’s bioeconomic growth and a sustainable future.
Source: The Times of India