Charting the Future of Biotechnology

We stand at the edge of a new industrial revolution, one that depends on our ability to engineer biology. Emerging biotechnology, coupled with artificial intelligence, will transform everything from the way we defend and build our nation to how we nourish and provide care for Americans.

In 2022, Congress charged the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) with developing recommendations to advance U.S. leadership in biotechnology for national security and economic resilience. What follows this letter is an action plan that, if executed now, will unleash private sector job creation in every corner of our country, reshore manufacturing, and free us from supply chain dependencies on China. It will ensure the United States—not China—endures as the best place for biotechnology discovery, invention, and entrepreneurship. And it will help keep our adversaries from using this powerful technology to gain battlefield advantage or geopolitical leverage.

In 1903, a bronze plaque was placed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty describing “A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning.” The task before us is to unlock the unparalleled power and potential of American creativity and innovation—our nation’s imprisoned lightning—to achieve enduring global technological leadership.

America has led in biotechnology since the 1970s, but the landscape is rapidly changing. A little over a year ago, we asserted that the United States was still ahead, despite considerable efforts by the People’s Republic of China to surpass us. We now believe the United States is falling behind in key areas of emerging biotechnology as China surges ahead.

Congress wisely created our group ahead of biotechnology’s coming inflection point. There is time to act, but no time to wait.

It is a privilege to lead our fellow Commissioners and talented staff in this work. We extend our deepest thanks to all who contributed to the development of these recommendations and to those who will help us achieve this vision for the American people.