"Act on the Promotion of Synthetic Biology" Passed by the National Assembly... World's First Enactment

Establishing National-Level Regulations for the Promotion and Safety Management of Synthetic Biology

The world's first law to foster synthetic biology, which combines advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data with biotechnology, has been enacted.

On the 2nd, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that the "Synthetic Biology Promotion Act," which focuses on promoting research and development of synthetic biology at the national level and establishing a legal framework for responsible technology development, was approved at the plenary session of the National Assembly.

Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Photo by Yonhap News

After approval by the State Council and promulgation, the Promotion Act is scheduled to be implemented next year following a one-year grace period. The Ministry of Science and ICT must establish a basic plan for fostering synthetic biology every five years.

To efficiently support the establishment of synthetic biology promotion policies, policy-specialized institutions can be designated, and research and development base institutions can be appointed to build an organic cooperation system among industry, academia, and research institutes. The government can also establish and operate a biofoundry as a core infrastructure for synthetic biology research and development and utilization.

Additionally, policies necessary for the utilization of synthetic biology research data and policies related to the standardization of synthetic biology can be established and implemented. To prevent uncertainties arising from the development of synthetic biology and to create an autonomous and safe research environment, the Minister of Science and ICT can establish guidelines for synthetic biology research and development.

Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "The enactment of this law marks a significant milestone that provides national direction and strategy to the field of synthetic biology, which holds infinite potential." He added, "The government will do its utmost to ensure smooth follow-up procedures through close communication with the field during the process of enacting subordinate statutes and establishing various policies and guidelines."