4S Insights and Priorities
Members: Johns Hopkins University and Ginkgo Bioworks
Project Dates: 2023 — 2023
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University conducted a series of interviews with bioindustrial manufacturing industry leaders to assess perceptions about 4S (safety, security, sustainability, and social responsibility) to maximize benefits and economic growth in the industry. Interviews revealed barriers and recommendations for effective integration and adoption of 4S principles, as well as cross-cutting issues involving regulation and workforce development needs. By gaining an understanding of the views of industry professionals, this project identified actions for stakeholders to enhance the societal benefits of bioindustrial manufacturing.
Key findings included:
There is a need for standardized metrics and evaluation methods, as well ask risk assessments, to effectively integrate safety principles
There is an opportunity for the U.S. Government to partner with companies to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security at biomanufacturing facilities
Mapping the sources of capabilities such as infrastructure and feedstocks would help ensure equitable access
Developing and standardizing sustainability metrics and benchmarks would support effective policy development
Investments in STEM education beyond traditional graduate programs is needed to create the needed workforce
A lack of a unified national regulatory framework for biomanufactured products is a barrier to success in the industry for U.S. companies
Read the full report, which includes recommendations to address these issues and establish the U.S. as a global leader in the bioeconomy, in the Member Portal.
Funding source: U.S. Department of Defense