Technological Advances that Test the Dual-Use Research of Concern Model

Abstract

Although malicious use of beneficial science and technology capabilities has elicited concern for many decades, the scientific and security communities have struggled with the review and oversight of dual use life sciences research. During the past twenty years, changes in the biotechnology landscape have increased concern about its exploitation. These changes are: (a) the rapidity with which biotechnologies are emerging, developing, and being applied; (b) the diversity of stakeholders involved in funding, conducting research and development activities, and using the new biotechnologies; and (c) some nonstate actors have expressed interest in using biology to cause harm and a few states have demonstrated use of biotechnology advances for harmful purposes. The multidisciplinary and global nature of life sciences and biotechnology, and diversity of private and government funders of research challenge recently developed approaches for identifying and assessing the dual use potential of biotechnology. Furthermore, development and application of biotechnology are driven by diverse societal needs including medicine, agriculture, environmental remediation, and defense. Entities invest in and leverage newly developed capabilities, such as precise genome editing or data analytics, to address critical needs in their areas. Within this context, this chapter explores challenges to the discourse on dual use implications of life-science research because of technology developments and provides a practical approach for assessing the potential dual use risks of emerging biotechnologies.