Mobilizing Nationwide Public-Private Resources to Take the Lead in the Global Bioeconomy
- Korean government will form a top-level, inter-ministerial decision-making body for national biotechnology policies, covering areas such as the bioeconomy and biosecurity.
- Strategic directions will be set across all biotechnology sectors, including red, green, and white biotechnology.
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister Yoo Sang-im), Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister Ahn Duk-geun), and Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister Cho Kyoo-hong) announced that, with the approval of the Regulation on the Establishment and Operation of the National Bio Committee (hereinafter “the Presidential Decree”) during the Cabinet meeting on October 29, they are now officially commencing the formation of the “National Bio Committee.”
As biotechnology increasingly emerges as a pivotal force not only in healthcare but also in areas such as the economy, industry, energy, environment, and national security, major global players—including the United States, Europe, and Japan—are crafting comprehensive strategies to facilitate a shift to bio-based economies. These nations are actively implementing policies to foster advancements in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
In pursuit of becoming a frontrunner in the global bioeconomy, Korea launched the Advanced Biotechnology Initiative (Bio Initiative) in April this year. This initiative has unified public and private resources to propel transformative changes within the biotechnology ecosystem—encompassing research, industry, human resources, regulation, and decision-making structures.
To support these goals, the Presidential Decree was co-developed by MSIT, MOTIE, and MOHW to create and manage a national committee chaired by the President, serving as a hub for integrating public and private sector capabilities.
The National Bio Committee (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”) will provide forecasts and strategies across biotechnology domains—including healthcare, food security, resources, energy, and the environment—through robust public-private partnerships. The Committee will serve as a top-level, inter-ministerial decision-making body to deliberate on policies to enhance sustainable national competitiveness in the bioeconomy and biosecurity.
Key Details of the Presidential Decree:
1. Committee Composition: The Committee will consist of up to 40 members, led by the President as Chair, with one Vice-Chair. Government representatives will include 10 ministers (or some agency heads) from relevant ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance, MSIT, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, MOTIE, MOHW, Office for Government Policy Coordination, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Korean Intellectual Property Office, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and Personal Information Protection Commission, along with the Senior Secretary to the President for Science and Technology (Committee Secretary) and the Third Deputy Director of National Security. Private sector members, selected by the President, will be experts with deep knowledge and experience in biotechnology. The Vice-Chair will be designated by the President from among these private sector members, serving a two-year term.
2. Committee Functions: The Committee will deliberate on and review:
① Establishment and refinement of major biotechnology policies and systems.
② Assessment and revision of regulations hindering the progress and competitiveness of the biotechnology sector.
③ Formulation and coordination of R&D strategies and major investment plans.
④ Enhancement of biosecurity capabilities.
⑤ Development of R&D and industrial infrastructure in biotechnology.
⑥ Formation of frameworks for public-private and international cooperation.
⑦ Planning and coordination of multi-agency biotechnology projects.
⑧ Adjustments to plans for large-scale biotechnology projects.
3. Operational Support: To facilitate the Committee's work, a support team composed of private sector experts and relevant government officials will be established.
The government expressed confidence that the National Bio Committee will enable faster integration and synergy across biotechnology-related policies currently managed by individual ministries. This initiative is expected to channel national efforts towards a bioeconomic shift, ultimately enhancing Korea’s global competitiveness. The government aims to complete the Committee's formation swiftly, ensuring the launch ceremony and first meeting proceed as planned.
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Please refer to the attached PDF.