• The Quad set up a Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group in March 2021.
• The group will facilitate cooperation, monitor trends, and scout for opportunities related to developments in critical and emerging technologies, that included biotechnology.
• However, the potential for Quad cooperation in biotechnology remains insufficiently tapped.
• The establishment of a Quad-led biomanufacturing hub in India will give the necessary fillip to enhance this cooperation.

Biomanufacturing

• Biomanufacturing produces molecules and materials on a commercial scale using living systems, particularly microorganisms and cell cultures.
• It can transform the global industrial system, with up to 60% of physical inputs to the global economy expected to be producible using this technology.
• Many countries, including the United States and China, recognise the need to optimise this ecosystem and have designed specific policies to shape their bio-economies.

India as Biomanufacturing hub

India’s National Biotechnology Development Strategy

• It envisions the country as a “Global Biomanufacturing Hub” by 2025.
• It sets a target of $100 billion for the hub.

What are the benefits of establishing a biomanufacturing hub in India?

• Quad should establish a biomanufacturing hub in India to benefit from the country’s economic potential and address supply-chain vulnerabilities.
• Quad nations have complementary strengths that can be leveraged to create this hub.
• The U.S. has significant funding capability, while Japan, Australia and the U.S. also possess advanced biotechnology innovation ecosystems and intellectual property.
• India has skilled manpower and the potential to provide affordable scale.

Why India is the ideal choice to host the biomanufacturing hub?

• India is an ideal choice because of its existing infrastructure, pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise, and available workforce.
• India is among the top performers in the field of biomanufacturing in both the quality of research output and in the share among research publications.
• India also has significant potential in low-cost biomanufacturing of enzymes, reagents, research materials, and equipment.
• The cost of manufacturing in India is around 33% lower when compared to that in the U.S.
• However, India still requires significant capability and capacity uplifts to become a world leader.

What does India need to do?

• India needs to uplift its workforce quality.
• There are many life science professionals in the country, but they lack access to cutting-edge technology and training.
• Permanent training facilities can be established in universities around the Quad hub, with experts from other Quad countries providing the training.
• Training should also focus on commercialising research and development.

Facilitating Collaboration in Biomanufacturing within the Quad

• Creating a centralized biomanufacturing hub to enhance collaboration between Quad nations and foster bilateral government efforts.
• Establishing a dedicated research collaboration office within the hub to support cross-Quad initiatives.
• Promoting harmonization of language, regulations, and data-sharing related to biomanufacturing to ensure secure supply chains for Quad nations.
• Enabling international collaboration by streamlining processes and standards within the Quad.
• Strengthening collaboration efforts within the Quad and expanding opportunities for cooperation with countries outside the Quad.

India can become a leading player in the field of biomanufacturing and help the Quad to compete in this key area. The proposed hub in India can capitalise on the economic potential of the biomanufacturing industry and address existing and potential vulnerabilities in the global system.