Unpackaging synthetic biology: Identification of oversight policy problems and options

摘要: The emerging field of synthetic biology (SB) is just entering policy debates. Reports from non-governmental organizations, such as the ETC Group and International Risk Governance Council, have recently been issued, but there few systematic analyses problems that we will likely face this area develops. Biosecurity issues are most defined; other societal oversight implications not well explored. Although SB could assist in addressing pressing global challenges, sustainable renewable energy, considerable concerns accompany its development applications. This article designed to anticipate prepare for these by identifying associated with oversight, upstream development. Projected applications reviewed a typology them developed. Key then identified based on historical experiences technologies, nanotechnology biotechnology. Problems biosecurity, biosafety, intellectual property, ethics discussed relation identify highest potential concern. Finally, options considered, preventative promotional. We propose different categories application may warrant regimes: might be an appropriate “one size fits all” approach. stop short making specific recommendations, suggest typology, problems, used starting point deliberative, democratic decisionmaking processes take into account wide range perspectives about risk, economic impact, scientific progress, moral reasoning design systems.