Full-Scale Preparation of Enforcement Decree for the "Synthetic Biology Promotion Act" Begins

Expert Advisory Group Launched
with Participation from Industry, Academia, Research, and Legal Experts

The process of preparing an enforcement decree for the effective implementation of the world's first "Synthetic Biology Promotion Act" is now in full swing.

On June 12, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced the launch of an expert advisory group for the enactment of subordinate statutes under the Synthetic Biology Promotion Act. The ministry also held the first meeting of the group, marking the official start of efforts to draft the enforcement decree.

The Synthetic Biology Promotion Act is a law that establishes the foundation for the systematic and stable promotion of synthetic biology, a core technology for the future bioeconomy. The act was enacted through bipartisan agreement in the 22nd National Assembly, making it the first of its kind in the world, and is scheduled to take effect on April 23 next year.

During the meeting, participants closely examined major anticipated issues, including the establishment and operation of a public biofoundry (Article 19 of the Act), promotion of the use of synthetic biology research data (Article 20), guidelines for research and development in synthetic biology (Article 25), and the establishment and operation of a safety management system (Article 26).

Kim Seongsu, Director-General for Basic and Fundamental Research Policy, stated, "Starting with this expert advisory meeting, we will prepare subordinate statutes that fully reflect the unique characteristics of synthetic biology, which require a balance between innovation and safety, while also enhancing industrial competitiveness and considering social acceptance."