National Biotechnology Strategy Implementation and Developments Ben Durham Biotechnology Strategy Unit Department of Science and Technology

Biotechnology: a New Era A 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: O 2 )  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) 3 rd generation Biotechnology is still fairly new, and with the right enabling environment, SA can compete globally.

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

Implementation: The National Biotechnology Strategy Interventions:  Staff  BRIC’s  NBN  PUB  Biobank SA  Biotechnology Industry Survey  Biotechnology Impacts on Exports  Biotechnology Advisory Committee  Biotechnology Road-mapping

Implementation Biotechnology 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. -o0o-