2001-NSW-Biofirst-St
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01 BioFirst NSW Biotechnology Strategy 2001 New South Wales Australia I present to you BioFirst, the New South Wales Biotechnology Strategy. Biotechnology is a science as old as the making of bread and the brewing of beer. However the current biotechnology revolution involves the study of the deepest structures of living things and applies what is learnt to achieving a range of environmental and human benefits. Biotechnology has already delivered unquestionable advances in the fields of human health and agricultural production. Through bioremediation and biological alternatives to pesticides, it is also benefiting the natural environment. The current debate about genetically modified organisms and stem cell research shows the ethical challenges we face with biotechnology research. Clearly, whatever their benefits, some processes – such as human cloning – will be unacceptable. Through the strategies outlined in BioFirst the benefits to the people of NSW will be maximised. The strategy will ensure that ethically and environmentally difficult issues are faced honestly and, if possible, resolved. BioFirst plays to NSW strengths. While ensuring a robust capability around the key technologies that underpin the biotechnology revolution, NSW will work with the Commonwealth Government, and with other States and Territories, to achieve an environment in which our biotechnology professionals – our scientists; technologists; and industrial, advisory and financial communities – can flourish. BioPLATFORM adds substantial new funds to the extensive support the Government already gives to biotechnology research and development. The BioBUSINESS component focuses the Government's approach to capitalising on opportunities for biotechnology-related development. A BioUNIT reporting directly to me will give leadership and coordination to the strategy. I commend BioFirst to you. Bob Carr Premier Our community is currently sitting on the edge of an exciting new age of discovery in biotechnology. This age offers us enormous benefits in the fields of health and commerce – and also poses important ethical questions. It is essential that we embrace, as a community, both the benefits and the challenges that this period will offer us. This will require frank and constructive dialogue between all stakeholders at every level. NSW has many natural advantages as a centre for the development of biotechnology. It is already home to the lion’s share of biotechnology companies in Australia and enjoys a strong, vibrant and internationally regarded biomedical research community. Nevertheless, we can never allow ourselves to grow complacent – we must always believe that we can do better and achieve more. Our focus must be at the global level. We should look beyond our shores and seek to be world leaders in biotechnology. We can do this, and indeed we already are. BioFirst seeks to build upon our existing strengths while acknowledging that ongoing success demands renewed energy, investment, cooperation and above all – leadership. BioFirst will provide that leadership – I commend this strategy to you. Craig Knowles Minister for Health Chair, NSW Cabinet Committee on Biotechnology Introduction – Biotechnology will be a driving force in economic development over the next decade. Like the Information Technology (IT) revolution The biotechnology sector differs from other The BioFirst vision is to position NSW as a of the 1990s its impact will be broad, potentially developing industries in several important leading player in biotechnology to maximise affecting many aspects of everyday life. Health- respects. It relies on a number of resource- the social, environmental and economic benefits care, agricultural production and environmental intensive inputs, such as research infrastructure of biotechnology for the people of NSW remediation are all areas where biotechnology and a highly skilled workforce. The driving force and Australia. can bring substantial benefits. In addition, the for the development and application of new The NSW Government is committed to consolidating expansion of biotechnology industries will be technologies is largely economic. However, the and extending the State’s achievements by important in securing high growth in the NSW industry is characterised by long lead times enhancing its research and development (R&D) economy. Government must play an active role between research and product commercialisation. capacity, and by encouraging and promoting in promoting and monitoring the uptake and This increases the difficulty of attracting capital a dynamic, socially and ethically responsible development of this new technology. to support the development of new businesses. biotechnology industry. These developments also give rise to important For NSW to take a leading role in the balanced The BioFirst strategy is based on a broad definition issues for the community and Government. development of biotechnology will require the of biotechnology, and recognises that biotechnology For example, what research is ethical? How do combined efforts of the research, business, applications span a diverse range of industries. we balance the desirability of improving industry and government sectors. Research It also recognises that BioBUSINESS is frequently agricultural production with concerns about scientists, educational institutions, primary technology-driven – requiring investment in protection of the environment? The NSW producers, hospitals and health care workers, a strong BioPLATFORM and the establishment Government recognises that the acceptability biotechnology and other industry associations, of ways to support the commercialisation of new biotechnology products and research venture capitalists, the financial services industry of research. processes is a vital issue for the whole community. and the general community all have significant Government must seek to be a responsive and contributions to make. The NSW Government will BioFirst focuses on the key areas of: informed leader in this debate. take an active role in generating shared views and – ethics; responsible action. Finally, through the education – business; The biotechnology industry is characterised system it can ensure that young people are – research and service delivery; and by significant overlaps in the areas of research, adequately informed about biotechnology. – support and leadership. product development and commercialisation. Biotechnology is relevant to the following NSW BioFirst is a five-year strategy that sets out Government departments: Health, Agriculture, the NSW Government’s initiatives to promote Land and Water Conservation, State and biotechnology in NSW and ensure that Regional Development, Education and Training, community concerns are properly considered Information Technology, Forestry, Mineral as this exciting field advances. The strategy also Resources, Fisheries, Police and Treasury. recognises that given the significant extent of private investment in biotechnology, opportunities exist for industry/Government partnerships and industry supported initiatives. 04 13 29 BioPLATFORM BioUNIT 01 04 19 25 42 Foreword Introduction BioBUSINESS BioETHICS Appendices 32 50 Case Studies References 01 Foreword04 Introduction 13 BioPLATFORM 19 BioBUSINESS 25 BioETHICS 29 BioUNIT 32 Case Studies 42 Appendix A 50 Glossary of abbreviations 40 Testimonials Members of the NSW Ministerial and acronyms Advisory Council on Biotechnology 51 Glossary of 42 Appendix B biotechnology terms Organisations and individuals consulted 52 Notes 44 Appendix C Some Biotechnology pharmaceutical and related companies in NSW 49 Appendix D Key Acts, regulations and agencies involved in implementing the BioETHIC initiative Contents The BioFirst vision – To position NSW as a leader in biotechnology and thus to maximise the social, environmental and economic benefits of biotechnology for the people of NSW and Australia. What is biotechnology? Examples of Biotechnology Environment Biotechnology is the term for a group of Applications – detection, removal and treatment technologies that pursue the understanding Health of toxins in water, air, food and soil and use of organisms and biological processes – better and safer drugs – bioremediation of heavy metals, for health, social, environmental or economic – new and improved vaccines and diagnostic tests oils and chemicals applications or outcomes. The term ‘modern – new therapies for incurable diseases such as – conversion of waste into energy biotechnology’ distinguishes recent, purely diabetes mellitus, currently cancer and Food processing and beverages research-based activities from such traditional Parkinson’s disease – improved food safety and quality processes as fermentation (for example bread, – testing and treatment for genetic components – improved maturation and preservation cheese and beer-making) and animal and of disease techniques plant-breeding. Modern biotechnology includes techniques ranging from molecular and cellular Agriculture and aquaculture Marine biotechnology biology, biochemistry and immunology through – improved food storage and nutritional quality – new pharmaceuticals, enzymes and to biological applications of information – improved food safety biomolecular materials (for example, technology (IT). – higher yielding crops bioceramics) – improved identification and management – biomonitors (for example, using Benefits and Applications of agricultural pests and diseases bioluminescence) – isolation of naturally occurring products Biotechnology