me in engineering biology, but we’re losing ground.” She adds that “countries like South Korea are absolutely storming ahead in terms of investing and taking this technology seriously.”
The report calls for greater government investment in engineering biology, as well as for better regulation to ensure that the potential risks of the technology are understood and addressed. It also highlights the need for wider public engagement with the technology, to ensure that societal concerns are taken into account.
A delicate balancing act
Professor McLean acknowledges that there are risks associated with engineering biology, which need to be carefully managed. She admits that the technology has the potential to “change the world in ways that we can’t anticipate,” which is why it is so important to proceed carefully.
“There is always a balance between risk and reward,” she says. “But I think if we don’t try, we’ll never know what the rewards could be. And I think the rewards could be absolutely enormous.”
The UK has the potential to be a world leader in engineering biology, but it will require investment, regulation, and careful management of the risks involved.
With the right approach, however, it could drive sustainable growth and help tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society, from climate change to healthcare.
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