Biotech & Biomanufacturing (E.O. 14081)

Summary

Starts a national plan to use biology for making new products, growing the economy, and solving problems in health, energy, and food, while keeping it safe.

What problem does this solve?

The U.S. needs a unified plan to lead in biotechnology and protect it from foreign rivals who may steal data and technology. This order creates a national strategy to fund research, grow manufacturing, train workers, and secure the U.S. bioeconomy from threats.

What does this order do?

Establishes the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative

Creates a government-wide approach to advance biotechnology and biomanufacturing to find solutions for health, climate change, energy, food security, and national security.

Requires agency reports on using biotech for societal goals

Directs various federal departments to report on how biotechnology can be used to achieve medical breakthroughs, address climate change, improve agriculture, and strengthen supply chains.

Launches a Data for the Bioeconomy Initiative

Creates a plan to make biological data sets more accessible and secure to help drive new discoveries, while protecting the data from misuse or theft.

Expands domestic biomanufacturing

Develops a strategy to increase the country's ability to manufacture products using biological processes, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

Increases federal purchasing of biobased products

Requires federal agencies to buy more products made from renewable biological sources, like plants and other agricultural materials.

Develops the biotechnology workforce

Creates a plan to expand education and training programs to prepare a diverse workforce for jobs in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.

Streamlines regulations for biotechnology

Aims to make the rules for biotechnology products clearer and more efficient to help new, safe products reach the market faster.

Advances biosafety and biosecurity

Starts an initiative to invest in research and promote best practices to reduce biological risks from accidents or deliberate harm.

Assesses threats to the U.S. bioeconomy

Directs intelligence agencies to identify and assess threats from foreign adversaries who may try to acquire U.S. biotechnology, data, or capabilities.

Who does this affect?

Biotechnology and life sciences companies
Scientists and researchers
Agricultural and forestry industries

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens U.S. economic leadership

Aims to keep the United States ahead of other countries in the fast-growing fields of biotechnology and biomanufacturing, creating jobs and new products here at home.

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Addresses major national challenges

Uses biology-based solutions to tackle big problems like climate change, disease, and food shortages, making the country more resilient and self-sufficient.

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Protects against foreign threats

Secures American technology and biological data from foreign competitors and adversaries who might try to steal it or use it for military purposes, which could harm national security.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on September 12, 2022, and sets many different deadlines for government agencies to submit reports and create plans.

Agency reports on societal goals

Within 180 days (by March 11, 2023), agencies like HHS and the Department of Energy must report on how to use biotechnology to solve problems in health, climate, and agriculture.

Domestic biomanufacturing strategy

Within 180 days (by March 11, 2023), a strategy must be developed to expand biomanufacturing in the U.S. and protect it from foreign risks.

Workforce development plan

Within 200 days (by March 31, 2023), a plan must be created to expand education and training for jobs in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.

Threat assessment

Within 240 days (by May 10, 2023), the Director of National Intelligence must provide assessments on threats to the U.S. bioeconomy from foreign adversaries.

Biobased product purchasing

Within 1 year (by September 12, 2023), federal agencies must create programs to buy more products made from biological materials.