Bio-E3 Policy: Harnessing Biotechnology for Sustainable Growth
India has experienced robust economic growth across various sectors over the past decade. As the nation continues to harness emerging scientific technologies and implement innovative solutions, it stands poised to assume a leadership role in the forthcoming industrial revolution. However, the global crises of climate change- manifesting in forest fires, melting glaciers and biodiversity loss- alongside unsustainable consumption patterns and waste generation, pose significant challenges that demand urgent and sustainable interventions.
In response to these environmental imperatives, India has introduced the Bio-E3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment Policy), a forward- looking initiative centered on promoting high- performance bio- manu- facturing. Bio- manufacturing, a cutting- edge process, involves the use of engineered microbial, plant and animal (including human) cells with increasing precision to produce commercially significant products on a large scale. This versatile approach holds the potential to create bio- based products that maximise resource efficiency while minimising environmental impact, offering scalable and cost- effective solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges.
The Need for Bio-E3 Policy
• The Indian chemical industry contributes significantly to the country's economy. The specialty chemicals segment comprises 22% of India's chemical industry. With an increasing global push towards developing sustainable manufacturing processes to minimise climate change, there is a need for innovation in bio-transformation of chemical processes critical for achieving sustainability goals.
• There is a growing demand for food as India will likely comprise of around 1.67 billion citizens in 2050 for whom adequate and nutritional food intake would be a key concern. Globally, alternative/smart proteins which include proteins from new sources (like plants, algae, fungi, insects) and from new approaches (like fermentation, plant- based meat or dairy, cultured meat etc.), are receiving a growing interest due to lower environmental impact, animal welfare and food safety considerations.
• Cell and Gene therapy, a new therapeutic modality, is considered "one of the most phenomenal advances in research in Medical Science". By 2027, the cell and gene therapy market is forecasted to be over $22 billion (~Rs. 1846 billion). This will be led by cell therapies, $10.8 billion (~Rs. 906 billion), followed by gene- modified cell therapies, $6.5 billion (~Rs. 545 billion). Similarly, global mRNA therapeutics market is expected to reach $10 billion (~Rs. 839 billion) by 2026.
• There is a need to enhance agricultural productivity from reduced land mass, amidst climate change impact. There is a need to promote soil microbiome- based research in India including soil microbiome/genome analysis, selection process for superior microbial phenotypes, process for shifting the microbial community composition towards the desired/most beneficial microbial consortia, developing crop specific products for crop nutrition & protection and product formulation for enhanced stability.
• India is aiming for 45% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and is taking steps towards achieving Net Zero by 2070. The Policy will facilitate to have focus on achieving de- carbonisation from the hard- to- abate industry sectors. This also includes microbial conversion of captured CO2 into industrially relevant compounds.
• Globally, the focus is on studying the impact of space flights and conditions on astronauts' microbiomes to assess the potential health risks and develop probiotic based interventions. There is a need for development of safe, nutritious meals for future long- duration space missions, considering the challenges in product quality & safety, shelf life and packaging waste.
Key Highlights: BIO-E3 Policy
The Policy provides a framework to empower Indian institutions, universities, startups and industries to engage in transformative innovations by way of the following:
• Intensifying research and innovation to address challenges such as mitigation of climate change and achieving decarbonisation.
• Boosting domestic biomanufacturing capability by enabling synergy between science, technology, engineering and manufacturing.
• Accelerating transition to biomanufacturing by promoting integrated use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalisation with 'omics' and upstream biotechnology innovations.
• Setting up the facilities (Biomanufacturing Hubs/ Biofoundry/ Bio- AIs) for scaling- up and pre- commercial manufacturing, co- located with resources and infrastructure for fostering high- performance biomanufacturing.
• Nurturing a cohort of highly skilled workforce.
Environmental Impact of Bio-E3 Policy
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - Under the Bio-E3 Policy, it is mandatory for biotechnology projects to conduct an environmental impact assessment. This assessment identifies potential environmental risks, such as imbalances in ecosystems, loss of flora and fauna and excessive consumption of natural resources.
Sustainable Resource Management - Guidelines are provided to ensure judicious use of natural resources in biotechnology research and development. The policy encourages recycling, reuse and reduced waste generation, thereby minimising environmental impacts.
Protection of Biodiversity- Research in biotechnology, especially in the areas of gene modification and synthetic biology, has strict regulations to protect biodiversity. It is ensured that biological modifications do not harm eco-systems and do not endanger existing species.
Environmental Safety and Hygiene - Under the Bio-E3 policy sets high standards of environmental safety and hygiene in biotechnology laboratories and facilities. Proper management of chemicals and other substances used in laboratories is ensured so that their environmental impact is minimal. The policy also ensures proper disposal of biological and chemical wastes, thereby protecting land and water sources.
Global and Local Environmental Concerns - The environmental impact of the Bio-E3 policy is significant at both the global and local levels. From a global perspective, the policy encourages international cooperation to address global environmental problems such as climate change and forest conservation.
Economic Implications of Bio-E3 Policy on
Economic Growth and Innovation - The policy promotes investments in research and development (R&D), which enables the development of new technologies and products. These innovations lead to new business opportunities, which contribute to job creation and economic growth.
Cost- Effectiveness and Business Competitiveness - The guidelines and standards contained in the policy help companies adopt efficient production processes, which reduces production costs. As a result, biotech companies can gain competitive advantage and strengthen their position in the market. Consumers also benefit from cost reduction, as they get affordable and high- quality services and products.
Public and Private Investment - The policy plays an important role in attracting public and private investments. The governments and the private sector are encouraged to invest in biotechnology projects. Financial incentives provided by governments, such as subsidies and tax benefits, attract investors. In addition, the standards and guidelines set by the policy provide investors with a clear and stable legal framework.
Social and Economic Inclusion - Another important aspect of the Bio-E3 policy is social and economic inclusion. The policy ensures that the benefits of biotechnology reach all sections and not just certain sections. Under this, efforts are made to make the benefits of innovation and technology reach different sections of society, especially backward regions and weaker sections.
Global Trade and Export Opportunities - The Bio-E3 policy promotes global trade and export opportunities. Companies get their products and services recognised according to international standards, giving them a chance to enter global markets. It not only promotes the discovery of new markets for domestic industries but also encourages competition in global trade.
Employment Generation
The BIO-E3 policy is designed to bolster the bio- economy sector by promoting the sustainable use of biological resources. Its impact on employment can be assessed from several perspectives:
Job Creation: The policy aims to stimulate job growth in the bio- economy sector, which includes industries like biotechnology, agricultural science and environmental management. By investing in research and development, the policy creates new positions for scientists, engineers and technicians.
Skill Development: The policy emphasises the need for a skilled workforce adept in bio- economy technologies. This result in increased demand for educational programmes and training initiatives tailored to the bio- economy. Consequently, workers gain specialised skills that enhance their employability and career prospects.
Economic Diversification: By fostering growth in the bio- economy, the BIO-E3 policy contributes to economic diversification. Regions traditionally reliant on non- renewable resources or traditional industries can pivot to bio- economy sectors, leading to new employment opportunities and reducing economic dependence on volatile markets.
Regional Development: The policy often targets underdeveloped regions for bio- economy investments, aiming to stimulate local economies and create jobs. This regional focus helps in balancing economic development across different areas, potentially reducing unemployment in less economically advanced regions.
Sustainability and Long- term Growth: Employment generated through the BIO-E3 policy is often linked to sustainable practices and technologies. This can lead to long- term job stability as industries adapt to environmentally friendly practices and innovations, aligning with global trends toward sustainability.
Global Scenario
The world stands at the threshold of a new industrial revolution driven by bio- innovation. Biotechnology will strongly influence future bio- based manufacturing and many countries such as the USA, Japan, Australia, Finland and European countries have established a strong framework for bio- manufacturing.
In all major countries, governments are taking initiatives to expand R&D invest- ments, build necessary infrastructure, house bio- foundries and pre- commercial capabilities to promote high- performance bio- manufacturing by switching to renewable feed stocks for synthesis of low carbon intensity chemicals and recyclable materials.
Collaboration and partnerships between industries, research institutes and governments are common in the bio- manufacturing sector. This collaboration helps to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, access to resources and development of innovative solutions. Thus emerging markets based on bio- manufacturing are playing a key role in the rapid growth.
Bio-E3 Policy and the Future
India is competitively positioned to be amongst the global leaders in futuristic manufacturing that leverages living systems. Bio- manufacturing can funda- mentally transform the global economy from today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles. This Policy document will galvanise research and technological skills within the country, attract startups and industries and thus effectively steer this transition to build a robust bio- economy.
The technology convergence will advance innovations in medical treatments, address farming and food challenges and promote bio- based products. Appropriate regulatory reforms and compelling incentives will reduce timelines of development and commercialisation. Bio- manufacturing approaches will thus build a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable development for current and future generations and achieve the target of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Compiled by EN Team