From Policy to Practice Actionable Recommendations for a Commercial Bioeconomy 2025

Recommendation 13 Sustained investment in bio-focused regulatory expertise What if dedicated career pathways for regulatory bio-experts were prioritized to ensure the workforce evolves alongside cutting-edge scientific advancements? Regulatory frameworks must evolve with technology to ensure public safety without hindering progress. The importance of governments to recruit, retain and train regulators to keep pace with the rapid advancements in science and technology cannot be overstated. One path to meaningfully integrating experts into the regulation-making process involves not only how regulators are trained and recruited, but also the creation of reciprocal mechanisms that enable scientists to gain regulatory experience. Bioeconomy-tailored curricula will help prepare regulators to stay abreast of technological advances, while ensuring regulations are right- sized to support commercialization and maximize societal impact. Description Sustained investment in bio-focused regulatory expertise will ensure that both regulators and scientists are equipped with the knowledge needed to create effective, agile frameworks designed to keep pace with innovation. Example The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) provides an intensive training programme on agricultural biotechnology, biosafety regulation and effective communication.57Recommendation 13 In one example from Thailand, the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) offers training programmes and educational events for scientists and regulators focused on agricultural biotechnology, biosafety regulation and effective communication. The potential of bio-innovation to drive more resilient agricultural practices relies not only on R&D but also on integrating key elements such as science-based regulatory frameworks, effective communication strategies and a comprehensive understanding of legal instruments. These factors are essential for the co-evolution of science and regulation, enabling society to responsibly benefit from game-changing bio-innovation. By investing in the continuous education and professional development of regulators, governments can equip regulatory professionals with the necessary technical expertise and knowledge to navigate complex, fast-changing advances. Alternatively, scientists can be given additional opportunities and entry points to regulation-making processes. Government-led open innovation offices are actively supporting such training; one instance in particular, hosted by ASEAN-UK,58 incentivizes scientists by providing additional accreditation for students. Formalized training not only works to enhance the effectiveness of regulations but also ensures that regulators can make informed decisions that balance innovation with public interest. Furthermore, retaining skilled regulators and reskilling scientists to become regulatory experts promotes continuity and stability in regulatory bodies, which is critical for maintaining trust and confidence in the regulatory system. In an era of rapid technological change, well-trained, adaptive and scientifically- minded regulators are essential for ensuring that bio-innovation advancements continue to safely and responsibly benefit society. 28 From Policy to Practice: Actionable Recommendations for a Commercial Bioeconomy