Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon / Yonhap
Seeking to outpace global rivals in the race for biotechnology leadership, Korea has introduced a comprehensive legal framework designed to accelerate synthetic biology — an emerging field that applies engineering principles to living systems.
The policy is intended to speed the translation of rapidly advancing research into commercial applications, positioning the sector as a key driver of economic growth and technological independence.
The Ministry of Science and ICT said the new law, which took effect Thursday, establishes a full-cycle support system spanning research, infrastructure, data use and safety oversight. The measure is designed to bring order and speed to a field increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and automation.
Synthetic biology allows scientists to design and engineer biological systems, with applications ranging from biomanufacturing and health care to energy and agriculture. The ministry said the law formalizes a national strategy first outlined in December 2023, when the technology was designated a key strategic sector.
Under the framework, the government will draft five-year master plans and annual implementation strategies, backed by a cross-ministerial committee to coordinate policy. It will also designate research hubs to connect industry, academia and laboratories, and expand support for technology transfer and commercialization.
A centerpiece of the initiative is the creation of public biofoundries, facilities that standardize and automate biological experiments. The law also sets rules for sharing research data generated through these platforms, aiming to accelerate innovation while maintaining oversight.
Officials said safety provisions are embedded throughout, with guidelines to address biological risks, environmental impact and ethical concerns.
The ministry said the law “provides a foundation for Korea to foster synthetic biology as a national strategic technology,” adding that the government will ensure stable support for researchers and industry.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
