A comparative analysis of global research and development competition in synthetic biology

WU Xiaoyan; SONG Qi; XU Rui; DING Chenjun; CHEN Fang; GUO Qing; ZHANG Bo

doi:10.12211/2096-8280.2024-087

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A comparative analysis of global research and development competition in synthetic biology

Invited Review | 更新时间：2025-09-05

- A comparative analysis of global research and development competition in synthetic biology
- Synthetic Biology Journal Vol. 6, Issue 4, Pages: 940-955(2025)
- 作者机构：
  
  1.中国科学院成都文献情报中心，四川成都 610299
  2.中国科学院青岛生物能源与过程研究所，山东青岛 266101
- 作者简介：
- 基金信息：
- DOI：10.12211/2096-8280.2024-087
  CLC： Q81
- Received：02 December 2024，
  
  Revised：2025-05-23，
  
  Published：31 August 2025
- 稿件说明：
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吴晓燕，宋琪，许睿，丁陈君，陈方，郭勍，张波. 合成生物学研发竞争态势对比分析［J］. 合成生物学， 2025， 6（4）： 940-955

WU Xiaoyan， SONG Qi， XU Rui， DING Chenjun， CHEN Fang， GUO Qing， ZHANG Bo. A comparative analysis of global research and development competition in synthetic biology［J］. Synthetic Biology Journal， 2025， 6（4）： 940-955
吴晓燕，宋琪，许睿，丁陈君，陈方，郭勍，张波. 合成生物学研发竞争态势对比分析［J］. 合成生物学， 2025， 6（4）： 940-955 DOI： 10.12211/2096-8280.2024-087.

WU Xiaoyan， SONG Qi， XU Rui， DING Chenjun， CHEN Fang， GUO Qing， ZHANG Bo. A comparative analysis of global research and development competition in synthetic biology［J］. Synthetic Biology Journal， 2025， 6（4）： 940-955 DOI： 10.12211/2096-8280.2024-087.

摘要

作为全球科技战略发展的重点领域，合成生物学正受到各主要经济体的战略性重视。本文从政策规划、基础研究、技术创新及产业化等多个维度，系统分析了美国、欧洲和中国在合成生物学领域的竞争态势。结果表明，美国在该领域具有显著优势，特别是在基础研究方面拥有大量关键底层技术成果与知识产权。欧洲凭借其独特的区域协同创新模式和产学研深度融合机制，在科研成果转化方面取得显著成效。中国虽然近期在合成生物学领域投入力度持续加大，但在高水平研究产出、高价值专利创造及科技成果转化效率等方面与欧美国家相比仍有待提升。值得指出，在一些特殊领域（体外合成生物学）以及重大应用（如二氧化碳合成淀粉、纤维素变淀粉等）方面，中国已经取得领先地位。基于上述分析，本文建议从完善政策顶层设计、提升企业创新主体地位、突破关键底层技术、优化知识产权布局以及健全产业生态体系等方面着手，推动我国合成生物学产业的高质量发展。

Abstract

Synthetic biology is an

advanced interdisciplinary field that merges biology

engineering

and technology

emerging as a strategic focus for major economies globally. This study offers a detailed comparative assessment of synthetic biology research and development in the United States

Europe

and China. Through systematic analysis of policy infrastructure

research achievements

technological advancements

and industrial applications

we have identified distinct competitive patterns across these regions. Our findings show that the United States maintains a clear leadership position

particularly in fundamental research

with significant technological capabilities and intellectual property assets. Europe has built an effective regional innovation ecosystem

achieving notable success in research commercialization through integrated collaboration among academic

research

and industrial sectors. While China has made substantial recent investments in synthetic biology

there remain opportunities to enhance high-impact research output

valuable patent development

and technology transfer efficiency compared to Western nations. Notably

China has achieved a leading position in specific areas (cell-free synthetic biology) and major applications (such as CO

-to-starch synthesis and cellulose-to-starch conversion). Based on the above analysis

this paper recommends promoting the high-quality development of China’s synthetic biology industry through five key approaches: improving top-level policy design

strengthening enterprises’ role as primary innovators

achieving breakthroughs in core technologies

optimizing intellectual property strategy

and enhancing the industrial ecosystem. These recommendations aim to promote the sustainable development of China’s synthetic biology sector. This study provides valuable strategic guidance for decision-makers

researchers

and industry stakeholders

aiding them in navigating the global competitive landscape and making informed decisions regarding the development of synthetic biology.

关键词

Keywords

references

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