Global Agenda Council on Genetics 2011

Since the complete mapping of the human genome in 2003, genetics research has driven valuable discoveries for human health, energy and agriculture. New vaccines to combat disease, improved yields on crops and fuels produced by converted biomass are now within reach thanks to advances in genetic techniques. With over 310,000 jobs created in the United States alone and an estimated US$ 67 billion of economic activity generated in 2010, the field of genetics hold the promise of new growth and innovation for countries around the world.

In this relatively early stage of the Genome Era, scientific and policy communities are struggling with many questions. While genetics research has benefitted in the past from public and private collaboration, commercial incentives are driving the specialization of technologies and products. The democratization of genetic therapy in healthcare is limited by the high costs of technology and the capacity of users, or both, as in the case of developing countries. Intellectual property rights impact genetic data-sharing, while social networking behaviours challenge the privacy of sensitive genetic information.

To address the legal, social and ethical aspects of genetics, greater collaboration among stakeholders and industries is needed. At the international level, cooperation may improve outcomes for industrialized and developing nations.