The Future of America’s Bioeconomy: A Pillar for National Security and Innovation

The bioeconomy is the economy segment that utilizes biological resources, knowledge, and processes to create economic value. This growing field encompasses industries such as food, fuel, medicine, and chemical manufacturing, all deeply integrated into biotechnology and biomanufacturing. As industries worldwide recognize the potential of biology-driven innovations, the United States has made significant moves to advance its bioeconomy, particularly with Executive Order 14081, “Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy,” signed in 2022.

This executive order highlights the importance of fostering innovation in biotechnology for economic growth and national security. As the U.S. bioeconomy expands, it presents opportunities for reshoring critical production, protecting supply chains, and enhancing preparedness for national emergencies.

Defining the Bioeconomy: A Foundation for Growth

The bioeconomy taps into biological resources such as plants, microorganisms, and animals, leveraging scientific knowledge to create bio-based products and services. This broad definition includes industries that develop biofuels, biopharmaceuticals, sustainable agriculture, and bio-manufactured chemicals. The essential advantage is that the bioeconomy shifts from reliance on fossil fuels to sustainable biological alternatives, paving the way for economic and environmental resilience.?

In the wake of supply chain disruptions and the vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. bioeconomy has emerged as a crucial aspect of national strategy. Ensuring a secure bioeconomy involves protecting critical supplies—like vaccines and essential medicines—and bolstering manufacturing capabilities for rapid response in times of crisis.

The Bioeconomy and National Security

Executive Order 14081 explicitly links biotechnology advancements to national security objectives. The pandemic revealed the critical need for solid biomanufacturing capacities, such as the ability to develop vaccines at scale while securing the supply chains for medical and pharmaceutical goods. This framework aims to prepare the U.S. for future biological threats by bolstering civilian and military biotechnology applications.

In addition to pandemic preparedness, biotechnology plays a critical role in defense. Innovations in biomanufacturing could be leveraged to improve the stockpiling of pre-chemicals and bio-based materials necessary for both military and civilian infrastructure, enhancing dual-use capabilities. This kind of development strengthens national security while driving economic growth.

Addressing Dependence on Foreign Adversaries

A major trend in biotechnology manufacturing is the push toward reshoring production, which involves bringing manufacturing capabilities back to the U.S. and reducing dependency on foreign adversaries like China. The U.S. has relied on overseas manufacturers for a significant share of critical biotechnologies and pharmaceutical components for years. However, recent geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions have shown the risks of such dependency.

One legislative effort to address these risks is the BIOSECURE Act, which seeks to limit foreign access to American biotechnology data and genetic information. This legislation aligns with broader concerns from U.S. intelligence agencies, highlighting vulnerabilities tied to foreign-controlled companies involved in American biotechnology supply chains.

Reshoring and National Security: A Strategic Pivot

With these national security concerns in mind, there has been a shift towards reshoring biotechnology manufacturing in the U.S. By investing in domestic production of bio-based chemicals, pre-chemicals, and other critical components; the U.S. can secure its supply chains and enhance its defense capabilities. This strategy involves partnerships between federal agencies, industry, and academic institutions to drive innovations with dual-use potential—meaning they can serve civilian markets and military applications.

New government policies and tax breaks incentivize this reshoring effort to encourage companies to build manufacturing facilities in the U.S. Recent data show that reshoring has accelerated as companies recognize the benefits of having production closer to home. This trend is expected to grow, with industries focused on pharmaceutical manufacturing and chemical production leading the charge.

Dual-Use Technologies and Economic Growth

Executive Order 14081 concerns national security and a comprehensive economic strategy. Federal agencies are tasked with fostering partnerships between the government, private sector, and academia to develop dual-use technologies that address financial and defense needs. This collaboration has the potential to create new bio-based products such as biofuels and pharmaceuticals, and the biotechnology sector stands to benefit from it.

These efforts also support economic growth through job creation and investment in biomanufacturing. The U.S. is expected to see a surge in demand for skilled workers as biotechnology firms scale up production and develop innovations in response to federal incentives.

Challenges and Measuring Growth

Despite the promise of the bioeconomy, challenges remain. Regulatory hurdles, investment risks, and workforce development are some of the key issues that must be addressed to ensure sustained growth. Additionally, measuring the impact of the bioeconomy on the overall economy will be essential for assessing progress and identifying gaps. Federal agencies must develop reliable metrics to track this sector's technological advancements and economic contributions.

Furthermore, ensuring a stable workforce capable of driving innovation is critical. Government and industry must work together to provide education and training programs that support the biotechnology sector, ensuring the next generation of workers is prepared to meet the demands of the bioeconomy.

Conclusion

The bioeconomy is positioned to become a central pillar of America’s economic and national security strategy. With Executive Order 14081 providing a clear roadmap, the U.S. is poised to lead in biotechnology manufacturing, reshoring critical production capabilities and fostering innovation in bio-based industries. By investing in partnerships between government, industry, and academia, the economy can serve as a driver of both economic growth and national defense preparedness.

As the bioeconomy expands, it is essential to address the challenges ahead, measure progress, and secure the necessary resources to ensure its long-term success. By doing so, the United States can build a resilient and dynamic economy that is an innovation engine and a cornerstone of national security.