White House Launches National Bioeconomy Board
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) announced on March 22, 2024, the launch of the National Bioeconomy Board, co-chaired by OSTP, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Defense. The Board also includes representatives from nine additional federal departments and agencies: the U.S. Department of State, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. According to OSTP, Board members represent the variety of biotechnology and biomanufacturing stakeholders across the federal government, including departments and agencies that promote economic development, sponsor fundamental research, facilitate technology commercialization, focus on safety and security, and engage in workforce training. The Board’s actions will complement the ongoing implementation of President Biden’s 2022 Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy. More information on the Executive Order is available in our September 13, 2022, blog item. OSTP states that the Board “will continue to lead the actions required to achieve a sustainable, safe, and secure American bioeconomy.”