Biotechnology: –
A comprehensive US National Security Strategy must recognize the underlying drivers of instability and conflict and fully leverage the US biotechnology industry in applying innovative solutions. As a pillar of national security, a strong, innovative and growing economy is an enduring national interest. The biotechnology industry’s impact on the national economy is significant and growing; in 2014 it contributed 2.2% of GDP with revenues predicted to increase 29% by 2019. Investment in biotechnology will drive innovation and shape the future workforce while improving our health and controlling the fastest growing US liability – rising healthcare costs. As the world population increases, bio-agriculture is already helping with food and water insecurity. The United States can harness the full potential of biofuels and biomaterials to end fossil fuel reliance and make America the world’s leader of renewable fuels. Lastly, innovative biotechnical solutions will improve our military and protect our population from harm. With proper resourcing and regulation, the biotechnology sector will be a vital component in our National Security Strategy.
In January 2017, the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence coordinated multiple intelligence entities to collectively assess world dynamics that will shape the next twenty years of US national security. In the assessment—Global Trends: Paradox of Progress—the intelligence community posits that some critical underlying drivers of conflict are climate change, population growth and migration, food and water security, competition around energy resources, and global health.
A comprehensive US National Security Strategy (NSS) must recognize and address the underlying drivers of instability and conflict and fully leverage the idea that US “leadership in science and technology” and its position as the world’s leading economy have “been the foundation of American national security since World War II.” With these fundamental tenets in mind, national security requires more than military advantage to protect American interests in a dynamic and challenging world. Simply stated, US national security strategy must employ a whole-of-nation approach which leverages the many facets of American strength and leadership to effectively combat underlying drivers of conflict and instability that threaten the interests of the US and its allies.
Accordingly, the field of biotechnology (termed “biotech” for purposes of this paper) presents solutions to many of the underlying problems driving instability and friction in the world. The biotech industry is by no means a panacea. However, it offers viable means to augment a comprehensive future NSS—a strategy that does more than address symptoms of underlying problems, and seeks lasting and potentially curative solutions to global problems.
As part of the Eisenhower School’s Industry Studies Program (ISP), a seminar group comprised of sixteen US and international military and civilian interagency students conducted a semester-long study of the biotech industry. The objective was to explore the “national and global resource base,” and specifically, to assess the national security nexus within the biotech industry. Through the course of study, the seminar group visited an array of US government regulatory bodies, biotech industry associations, biotech firms, and non-profits in both the United States and Japan.
This paper reflects the group’s collective analysis of the opportunities to leverage biotech industry potential as a component of national security strategy. The analysis includes a brief examination of the science and industry of biotech, and then links the strategic problems facing US national security to advancements in the biotech field. The analysis concludes with a set recommendations to leverage the inherent capabilities of the biotech industry and enhance US national security.
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