The UK risks being trapped in a “doom loop” of stagnation and missed opportunities unless bold action is taken to boost innovation and commercialisation in engineering biology.
This is the conclusion of a new report by the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, which warns that without urgent intervention, the country’s scientific advancements could be exploited by foreign competitors.
The report, titled ‘Don’t Fail to Scale: Seizing the Opportunities of Engineering Biology,’ calls for a radical overhaul of investment strategies, regulatory frameworks, and talent pipelines to secure the UK’s position in this fast-evolving field.
Baroness Brown of Cambridge, chair of the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, explained: “Britain is a world leader in scientific innovation, with a heritage that is the envy of the world. But, all too frequently, we are crashing into walls rather than smashing through ceilings.
“Pioneering companies urgently need to scale up to become globally competitive – not get stuck in the investment’ valley of death’. The Committee believes that without urgent action across the key areas set out in our report, the UK is at severe risk of losing the potential benefits of a world-leading engineering biology sector.
“All too often, we hear that when companies reach a certain size, they move abroad for better investment and development prospects, taking most of the economic benefit with them. This failure to scale in the UK is a long-standing issue which requires an urgent, concerted, cross-government approach to fix.”
What is engineering biology?
Engineering biology, also known as synthetic biology, is an interdisciplinary science that reimagines and redesigns biological systems to address real-world challenges.
By using principles from biology, engineering, and computer science, it transforms sectors such as healthcare, energy, food, and manufacturing.
Some innovative examples include:
- Lab-grown meat: Cultivated meat grown from cells, approved for pet food in the UK.
- Bio-engineered bacteria: Converting waste into sustainable fuel.
- Pollution breakdown: Using biology to recycle rare earth minerals and clean polluted water.
- Sustainable textiles: Bio-engineered dyes and materials revolutionising the fashion industry.
- Disease-resistant plants: Reducing reliance on pesticides and enhancing crop yields.
Engineering biology offers solutions to pressing global problems like climate change and resource scarcity while unlocking economic growth through new industries and jobs.
A closing window of opportunity
The Lords Committee stresses that the UK has a “small and closing window” to reverse its decline as a global leader in engineering biology. Despite its strong foundation—world-class universities, researchers, and a thriving start-up ecosystem—the UK has already lost ground in the international race for dominance.
According to the report, Britain needs to act swiftly to secure the vast economic and industrial potential of homegrown innovations. It warns that failure to scale these advancements could see other nations capitalise on British breakthroughs, leaving the UK at a severe disadvantage.
Key recommendations for reviving the sector
The report outlines a comprehensive seven-point strategy to reinvigorate the UK’s engineering biology sector:
- Develop a national strategy: Ensure engineering biology is central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
- Boost investment: Commit to stable public funding and incentivise private investment, including recommitting to the nation’s £2bn funding target over ten years.
- Streamline regulation: Create a world-leading regulatory framework to attract global talent and capital.
- Enhance infrastructure: Build state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities.
- Promote skills and talent: Expand apprenticeship programmes and ensure pathways for top international talent.
- Foster adoption: Encourage industries to integrate engineering biology innovations into their operations.
- Establish governance: Appoint a national sector champion to coordinate and promote the field.
The Committee emphasises that swift public investment is critical to preventing the exodus of capital and companies to more favourable markets, such as the US.
Addressing risks and public perception
While engineering biology offers immense promise, the report acknowledges potential risks, such as misuse by hostile entities and public apprehension about synthetic biology.
To address these concerns, the Committee calls for transparent communication and public engagement to build trust and understanding.
The future of engineering biology in the UK
Without bold and immediate action, the UK risks falling further behind its international competitors. Engineering biology has the potential to transform industries, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and position the UK as a global leader in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The report’s message is clear: the time to act is now.
By championing this transformative field, the UK can secure its future as a hub of scientific innovation and economic prosperity.
