[New Wave] The Social Value of Utilizing Bio Big Data

As data construction and utilization emerge as barometers of national science and technology competitiveness, the value of data is increasing. In the medical and bio fields, the importance of securing core data and analyzing and utilizing it is further emphasized. This is because the research paradigm has shifted from biology-centered experiments to data-driven research and development (R&D), and the nation demands the creation of socially shareable value based on research outcomes derived from public funding.

The "National Integrated Bio Big Data Construction" project, selected as one of the major investment areas for strengthening the "D·N·A (Data·Network·Artificial Intelligence) ecosystem" in the digital New Deal sector announced in the 2020 Korean New Deal comprehensive plan, aims to build and utilize genomic data of over one million Koreans, including patients with intractable rare diseases, cancer patients, and the general public. The genomic sequences of Koreans do not match those of foreigners, and these differences form unique health behaviors of Koreans. This is the ultimate reason to collect and analyze genetic information unique to Koreans and to establish Korean-style standard genomic data for research and analysis.

This project holds nationally significant value by predicting and diagnosing diseases vulnerable to Koreans in advance and contributing to the development of treatment technologies and therapeutics. The biohealth industry is a field with significant first-mover advantages, requiring considerable time for preemptive investment, data construction, and foundational technology development. Efficient public-private-academic cooperation is also continuously needed for industrial utilization of big data and fostering global companies. Having completed a two-year pilot project, this project is officially starting this year, necessitating effective promotional activities and communication efforts to encourage public participation. A macro-level approach considering time, stages, and target groups, along with a refined execution model, must also be established.

Recent perception survey results related to awareness, understanding, attitude, and participation intention regarding this project show somewhat differing interests among the general public, patients and their families, researchers and medical/bio experts, and the industry. The general public recognized the project's importance in the order of clarifying causes of cancer and rare intractable diseases, disease prevention services, innovation in new drug development such as gene therapy, activation of Korean-customized treatment, and extension of healthy lifespan.

For patients and their families, over 80% responded that the bio big data construction project is very necessary for realizing precision medicine and advancing future medicine. Regarding expected research fields for data utilization, responses were in the order of "personalized medical services," "disease prevention services," and "industrial utilization related to biohealth."

Their high intention to participate contrasted with low project awareness indicates the need for more promotion and communication. Through communication reflecting the latest promotional trends, the future-oriented social value and importance of this project should be conveyed, and public awareness and understanding should be improved. Public interest and participation are essential for this, and it is hoped that opinion leaders from various fields will continuously share their performance experiences related to the project, thereby integrating the project's value and achievements throughout society, establishing social support, and greatly contributing to the revitalization of related industries.

Jeong Won-jun, Professor, Department of Media Communication, University of Suwon