International Collaboration: Addressing Global Biosecurity Gaps
Takeaway: Global biosecurity is a team sport; for synbio companies, this means actively participating in international collaborations and adhering to global standards to close security gaps that no single nation can manage alone.
Pathogens do not recognize passports, and a biological threat originating in one corner of the world can become a global crisis in a matter of days. The synthetic biology industry is inherently global—with talent, capital, data, and physical materials constantly crossing borders. This means that a purely national approach to biosecurity is destined to fail. The security of the entire global biotech ecosystem is only as strong as its weakest link.
A country with lax DNA synthesis screening guidelines or poor export controls can become an unintentional "safe harbor" for malicious actors seeking to acquire the tools of biological engineering. This is why international collaboration is not just a diplomatic ideal; it is a practical necessity for the long-term health and safety of the field.
The Role of "Soft Law" and International Norms
While there is no single world government for biotech, a web of international treaties and industry consortia work to harmonize standards and close dangerous security gaps.
The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): This is the foundational international treaty, signed by over 180 countries, that prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons. It provides the high-level ethical and legal framework for all subsequent biosecurity efforts.
The International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC): This is a powerful example of industry self-regulation on a global scale. The IGSC brings together major DNA synthesis providers from around the world who have voluntarily agreed to a common set of screening protocols. They vet customers and screen every order against a shared database of dangerous pathogen sequences, ensuring a consistent standard of care across the industry.
The World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO plays a critical role in global public health surveillance, coordinating the international response to disease outbreaks, whether they are natural, accidental, or deliberate in origin.
What This Means for Your Startup
As a founder, you are a player on this international stage, and your actions contribute to the strength or weakness of the global system.
Adhere to the Highest Global Standard: Do not simply adhere to the minimum biosecurity regulations of your home country. Proactively adopt the highest international standards, such as the IGSC's screening framework. This demonstrates responsible leadership and future-proofs your company for global operations.
Scrutinize International Partners: Before collaborating with a company or research institution in another country, perform due diligence on their biosecurity practices. Do they adhere to international norms? Are they located in a jurisdiction with strong government oversight?
Secure Your Global Supply Chain: If you are sourcing key materials or services from other countries, you must be confident that your partners are maintaining a secure chain of custody.
The future of synthetic biology depends on public trust, and that trust is global. By acting as a responsible global citizen and championing robust international security standards, you not only protect your own company but also help ensure the safe and sustainable growth of the entire bioeconomy.
Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Reading or relying on this content does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every startup’s situation is unique, and you should consult qualified legal or tax professionals before making decisions that may affect your business.