Biotechnology innovation requires close collaboration among the 'key players'

This is the view of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thao, a lecturer in the Department of Biotechnology at the International University - Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, expressed at the forum “Gene Editing in Agriculture - Strategic Technology within the Legal Framework.”

The forum was organized by the Viet Nam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Legal Affairs, under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

The event gathered a wide range of participants, including leading scientists, policymakers, research institutes, businesses, and media representatives, to discuss international trends, domestic achievements, and potential solutions for building a comprehensive legal framework for gene-editing technology - a field regarded as a new driving force for Vietnam’s agricultural sector in the era of innovation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thao emphasized that close coordination among all relevant stakeholders - including scientists, enterprises, and the State - is essential. She highlighted that support and investment from the government are particularly important to create favorable conditions for researchers and businesses to collaborate effectively, particularly in the field of biotechnology.

Dr. Thao also pointed out that most scientists are eager to see their research applied in practice. “The government needs to invest in fundamental research to provide a solid foundation for applied studies. At the same time, it is vital to ensure collaboration and risk-sharing between scientists, enterprises, and the State,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thao stated.

Earlier, during his presentation at the conference, the speaker from the Department of Biotechnology and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research at the International University (Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) highlighted that gene-editing technology is increasingly gaining recognition and being widely applied around the world. He noted that even in traditionally conservative countries, such as Japan, this technology has started to see broader acceptance and practical use.

Echoing this view, Prof. Dr. Tran Dinh Long, an academician, stated, “New technologies, including gene editing, have already been implemented in many countries worldwide, including several within the Southeast Asian region. However, Viet Nam has not yet been able to adopt these technologies on a large scale.”

Prof. Long also emphasized the important distinction between gene-edited crops and genetically modified organisms, noting that understanding this difference is crucial for proper regulation and application.

He recommended that one of the immediate steps for Viet Nam should be the establishment of well-equipped laboratories within enterprises and research institutions, with the goal of gradually meeting international standards.

“Vietnam has significant potential to become a leading hub for biotechnology innovation, especially in the field of tropical crops, if appropriate and open policies are put in place to support research and development,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thao. She emphasized that, alongside supportive policies, it is crucial to complete a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for gene-editing technology. This should include safety standards, clear procedures for validation, and financial support mechanisms, all of which are essential to facilitate the commercialization of research outputs and encourage innovation in the sector.

Dr. Thao also pointed out that one of the major opportunities - and simultaneously one of the biggest challenges - for scientists is the application of gene-editing technology to perennial crops. These crops have long growth cycles and present significant difficulties in tissue culture and regeneration. She stressed that overcoming these challenges will require active international collaboration, particularly in the case of crops such as coconut.

“Without collaboration with both domestic and international scientists and research organizations, it is extremely challenging for a single research institution to produce successful outcomes,” she noted. “Furthermore, government support is critical because gene-editing research is inherently risky, it may succeed or fail. This level of uncertainty often makes such projects less attractive to private enterprises. Therefore, coordinated efforts and risk-sharing among scientists, enterprises, and the State are essential to drive the field forward,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thao concluded.