Drawing Lines in the Sand? Paths Forward for Triggering Regulation of Gene-Edited Crops

• DOI: 10.1093/scipol/scab014
• Publication Date: 2021-02-18T07:05:17Z
• Authors: Sara Nawaz; Milind Kandlikar
• Keywords: Spell; TRACE (psycholinguistics); Emerging Technologies

Abstract Researchers are making use of new gene-editing techniques in medicine, bioenergy, industrial biotechnology, and beyond, the field crop breeding is no exception. These techniques, which differ from genetic modification spell difficult questions for regulatory oversight: will current rules-of-play apply, or do necessitate fundamental shifts regulations? Thus far, little explicit attention has focused on yet elusive technical specifics currently trigger regulation gene-edited crops, where different jurisdictions ‘draw’ this line. Here, we trace these lines across key jurisdictions. We argue that extant definitions crumbling face emerging technologies assert breakdown poses a threat to responsible governance. Drawing upon insights research innovation, propose shift away technically based approaches toward more risk-targeted oversight broader societal ecological implications.