Erudite Asia’s Post

World's first 'Synthetic Biology Act' to integrate AI, big data, and biotechnology The Ministry of Science and ICT has announced the passage of the world's first 'Synthetic Biology Promotion Act,' proposed by Rep. Choi Soo-jin. This act establishes a legal framework for integrating advanced digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, with biotechnology. Synthetic biology involves designing, manufacturing, and synthesizing DNA and cells, and the government's new legislation requires the establishment of a national synthetic biology promotion system. Under the new act, the Minister of Science and ICT will create a basic plan for promoting synthetic biology every five years and designate research and development base institutions to foster collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutes. The government will also develop infrastructure, including biofoundries, essential for synthetic biology research and allow for the implementation of measures regarding the utilization of synthetic biology research data, standardization, and training of specialized personnel. The act includes obligations for responsible management, such as developing research guidelines, operating safety management systems, and enhancing social understanding of synthetic biology. The Synthetic Biology Promotion Act will come into effect in 2026, following a one-year grace period for further deliberation and implementation by the State Council. Minister Yoo Sang-im emphasized the act as a groundbreaking milestone that sets a national strategy for synthetic biology, a field he describes as having unlimited potential. #AI #SouthKorea https://lnkd.in/guQ7jhcZ