title: Balancing regulatory control, scientific knowledge, and public understanding.
abstract: In summary, I would like to emphasize the continued need for broad and vigorous basic research, with a balance between the fundamental work that may eventually lead to commercial products and the fundamental work that is necessary for an understanding of the interaction of many types of organisms within the environment. I would like also to reiterate the need for balance in the regulatory approach so that we do not repress innovation in research and development. Over-regulation has many side effects. In addition to repressing innovation and not taking advantage of our research base, over-regulation leads to reluctance by the capital markets to invest in the future of our new industries, thereby halting their development at an early stage. At the same time, under-regulation leads to lack of confidence by the public and paralysis of the industry based on public outcry and legal proceedings. It is my personal belief that the combination of a sound approach to regulatory practice, based on current scientific knowledge, combined with appropriate communication with the public regarding the new products, will lead to an exciting future for all sectors of industry that use the new biotechnology.
authors.affiliation: Directorate for Biological, Behavioral, and Social Sciences, National Science Foundation, Washington, D.C. 20550.
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Kingsbury
mesh_terms: D001709:Biotechnology; D007391:International Cooperation; D007878:Legislation as Topic; D011641:Public Relations; D014481:United States