Sec. 10401. Findings

278 words·~1 min read·/bill/117/hr/4521/pcs/section-10401

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

The Congress makes the following findings: Cellular and molecular processes may be used, mimicked, or redesigned to develop new products, processes, and systems that improve societal well-being, strengthen national security, and contribute to the economy. Engineering biology relies on a workforce with a diverse and unique set of skills combining the biological, physical, chemical, and information sciences and engineering. Long-term research and development is necessary to create breakthroughs in engineering biology.

Such research and development requires government investment as many of the benefits are too distant or uncertain for industry to support alone. Research is necessary to inform evidence-based governance of engineering biology and to support the growth of the engineering biology industry. The Federal Government has an obligation to ensure that ethical, legal, environmental, safety, security, and societal implications of its science and technology research and investment follows policies of responsible innovation and fosters public transparency.

The Federal Government can play an important role by facilitating the development of tools and technologies to further advance engineering biology, including user facilities, by facilitating public-private partnerships, by supporting risk research, and by facilitating the commercial application in the United States of research funded by the Federal Government. The United States led the development of the science and engineering techniques that created the field of engineering biology, but due to increasing international competition, the United States is at risk of losing its competitive advantage if it does not strategically invest the necessary resources.

A National Engineering Biology Initiative can serve to establish new research directions and technology goals, improve interagency coordination and planning processes, drive technology transfer to the private sector, and help ensure optimal returns on the Federal investment.