National Biotechnology Strategy

Implementation and Developments

Ben DurhamBiotechnology Strategy Unit

Department of Science and Technology

Biotechnology: a New EraA quantum leap in the ability to

manipulate biological processes Custom design of biological processes

and tools appropriate to human needs

Staggering possibilities Biological ‘factories’ (principal waste product: O2) Direct benefits to human & animal health, improved

agricultural and animal products, food security Indirect but significant impacts on poverty alleviation

and wealth creation, environmental ‘health’, biodiversity preservation, improved quality of life

Some risks…

A national strategy“SA Government recognizes its responsibility for creating an

enabling environment for innovation, specifically with respect to reducing impact of HIV/AIDS; job creation; urban renewal; crime prevention; human resource development; regional integration.”

• SETI Review highlighted the need for biotechnology.

• SA net importer of technology, with still fairly heavy reliance on primary production (incl. agriculture).

• Remarkable biodiversity in SA (–> protection & use)

• 3rd generation Biotechnology is still fairly new, and with the right enabling environment, SA can compete globally.

A national strategyObjective of Strategy:

Stimulate the development of biotechnology skills, capacities and tools.

Address the primary means by which Government can influence the development of biotechnology, including:

Legal framework Funding mechanisms New infrastructure and institutional arrangements Development of research capacities

Bridge the “Innovation Chasm”

From A to The National Strategy

Funding:

Cabinet acceptance of National Biotechnology Strategy - July 2001.

Public consultation process finalized - November 2001. Results of public consultation - Feb/Mar 2002. Cabinet acceptance. Incorporated in R&D strategy and accepted - July 2002. Treasury approved budget for R&D strategy.

Implementation: The National Biotechnology StrategyInterventions:

Staff BRIC’s NBN PUB Biobank SA Biotechnology Industry Survey Biotechnology Impacts on Exports Biotechnology Advisory Committee Biotechnology Road-mapping

ImplementationBiotechnology Regional

Innovation Centres (BRIC’s)

EcoBio (Nhlanhla Msomi) Human Health Bioprocessing

CBI (Mark Fyvie) Bioprocessing Human health

BioPad (Butana Mboniswa) Animal health Industrial, Mining and Enviro

Bioprocessing

Plant Biotechnology? - National in scope

PlantBio (Mark Laing)

Implementation

Data networking and computing facilities

National Bioinformatics Network (Casper Schutte)

Network Centre (UWC)

Nodes (UWC; RU; UP; WITS; UCT; US)

Each node: Bioinformatics research project

Plus common project(s)

Implementation

Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB)

South African Agency for Science & Technology Advancement (SAASTA) appointed to run the PUB programme to present a balanced view of biotechnology in order to promote public understanding.

Activities Call for proposals for innovative communication products

and events

Implementation

Biotechnology Advisory Committee

In process of approaching NACI to discuss setting up of a Biotechnology Advisory Committee to:

provide oversight of Biotechnology Development in SA

Make recommendations on direction and investment

Implemetation

Participation in GM hearings conference (Stellenbosch 14 &15 April)

Report on Possible Impacts of GM Food production on SA Exports

Support of BioBank to provide genetic banking facilities

Participation in the Executive Council of the GM Act

Preparation for Global Forum on Biotechnology (2004)

Coordination of biotech partners: Research ->commercialization pipeline.

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