CNAS Launches Biotech Commentary Series with New Short Paper, “Biotech Matters: A U.S. National Security Imperative”

Washington, February 21, 2024 — Today, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) released a new commentary, Biotech Matters: A U.S. National Security Imperative by Research Associate Hannah Kelley. The commentary is the first of six pieces in a new series by the CNAS Technology and National Security Program on emerging issues in biotech and national security.

Today’s new commentary highlights the United States’ need to prioritize and strengthen its biotech sector to maintain its global leadership position and ensure its national security. The commentary also highlights the immense potential of biotechnology to address a wide range of global challenges—from healthcare and climate change to critical supply chains and national defense—and underscores the importance of U.S. biotech leadership in the face of increasingly tense technological competition, particularly with the People's Republic of China.

The piece outlines several obstacles hindering U.S. biotech competitiveness, including a lack of clear metrics for evaluation, public distrust in the scientific community, and talent gaps in STEM fields. It also includes key considerations for the U.S. government to strengthen public-private partnerships, enhance the domestic biotech innovation ecosystem, and better prevent and mitigate the potential misuse of emerging biotechnologies.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Hannah Kelley, please contact Alexa Whaley at awhaley@cnas.org.