THE CONTEXT: The Indian Cabinet approved the BioE3 policy, which aims to boost manufacturing in the biotechnology sector to enhance the economy, environment, and employment. Despite India’s progress in biotechnology, particularly in vaccine development, the sector has not reached its full potential, necessitating a comprehensive approach to foster industrial growth.
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The BioE3 policy is focused on addressing critical societal challenges such as climate change, food security, and human health through sustainable and innovative biotechnology solutions. It seeks to establish a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem that can accelerate the development of bio-based products. The policy outlines six strategic thematic sectors:
- Bio-based Chemicals and Enzymes: Developing high-value chemicals and enzymes through biotechnological processes.
- Functional Foods and Smart Proteins: Innovating in the food sector to produce nutritionally enhanced and sustainable food products.
- Precision Biotherapeutics: Advancing medical biotechnology to create precise and effective therapeutic solutions.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Enhancing agricultural practices to withstand climate change impacts.
- Carbon Capture and Utilization: Implementing technologies to capture and repurpose carbon emissions.
- Futuristic Marine and Space Research: Exploring biotechnology applications in marine and space environments.
EVOLUTION OF THE STRUCTURAL SUPPORT TO BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR IN INDIA:
Early Development (1980s-1990s):
- India recognized the importance of biotechnology early on, with the 6th Five Year Plan (1980-85) being the first policy document to cover biotechnology development.
- In 1982, the National Biotechnology Board (NBTB) was constituted to identify priority areas and evolve long-term perspectives for biotechnology.
- The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was established in 1986 under the Ministry of Science and Technology, making India one of the first countries to have a separate department for biotechnology.
- Early autonomous institutes were established, such as the National Institute of Immunology (1981) and the National Centre for Cell Science (1986).
Growth Phase (1990s-2000s):
- More specialized institutes were established, like the National Institute for Plant Genome Research, the National Brain Research Centre, the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics, etc.
- State governments began showing interest, with some setting up separate biotechnology departments or boards.
- The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) was established in 2012 as a public sector enterprise to foster and promote innovative research in biotech SMEs.
- The National Biotechnology Development Strategy was launched in 2007 and updated in 2015 and 2020. The latest Strategy, 2020-25, aims to strengthen skill development, promote innovation, and create a strong knowledge-sharing ecosystem.
- As of 2024, 9 DBT-supported biotech parks and 60 BIRAC-supported bio-incubators exist.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY: The BioE3 policy will be implemented by establishing biomanufacturing and bio-artificial intelligence (AI) hubs and biofoundries. These facilities will serve as innovation centers where researchers, startups, and industries can collaborate to translate R&D into commercially viable products. The policy emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships to drive innovation and commercialization efforts.
THE ISSUES:
- Dependence on imports: Indian laboratories and startups rely heavily on imported ingredients and devices, reducing the country’s international competitiveness in biotechnology.
- Lack of local manufacturing ecosystem: Few Indian manufacturers can supply the necessary components for biotechnology research and production.
- Chronic manufacturing challenges: If not addressed, India’s broader manufacturing issues may hinder this initiative’s success.
- Long-term investment requirements: The policy needs to establish conditions for sustained capital investment in the biotechnology sector.
- Collaboration between Centre and States: Effective implementation of the BioE3 policy will require strong cooperation between central and state governments.
- Need for patience and sustained support: The government must be prepared to provide long-term financial and infrastructural support rather than expecting quick returns on investment.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): India’s biotechnology sector can benefit from successful PPP models like the European Union’s Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking. This initiative has led to over 160 projects promoting competitive circular bio-based industries through collaboration between public entities and private companies.
- Focus on Applied Research: The global biotechnology industry is expected to grow from USD 412.2 billion in 2023 to USD 465.9 billion in 2024, driven by innovations like gene editing and biopharmaceuticals. India should focus on applied research to capitalize on these emerging trends.
- Entrepreneurship Programs: The Biotechnology sector in India is expected to grow from 3,500 startups to 10,000 by 2024-25. Entrepreneurship programs can support this growth by providing business skills and mentorship.
- Circular Bioeconomy: Transitioning to a circular bioeconomy could reduce global waste generation by up to 98% by 2050 and create around 18 million net new jobs by 2030. India can lead in this transition by promoting the use of bio-based products.
- Collaboration with States: The Bio-based Industries Consortium in Europe demonstrates the importance of collaboration across sectors to overcome regulatory uncertainty and high investment risks. India can replicate this model to ensure the successful implementation of the BioE3 policy.
THE CONCLUSION:
While the BioE3 policy is well-intentioned, addressing India’s manufacturing challenges requires long-term financial and infrastructural support from both the central and state governments. A collaborative effort is essential to ensure the policy’s success and to establish a globally competitive biotechnology sector.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 What are the research in developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poor sections of society? 2021
Q.2 Why is there so much activity in biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? 2018
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Discuss the significance of the BioE3 policy in transforming India’s biotechnology sector. Highlight the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the success of this initiative.
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