Engineering Biology on the National Agenda: The takeaways from the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy
The UK government has recently published its Digital and Technologies Sector Plan, part of the modern Industrial Strategy. The plan sets out how the UK intends to strengthen its position as a global leader in science and technology by focusing on six frontier technologies: advanced connectivity, artificial intelligence, cyber security, quantum, semiconductors, and engineering biology.
For those working in engineering biology, this recognition is significant. It places the sector alongside some of the fastest-growing areas of the global economy and highlights its potential to drive innovation, competitiveness and resilience.
The report commits new funding for research and infrastructure, proposes reforms to accelerate regulatory approval, and identifies clusters across the UK where engineering biology is already thriving. These measures, if delivered, could have wide-ranging implications for how the UK supports companies scaling from lab to market and how it positions itself within the global bioeconomy.
Key Points from the Report
Investment in research and infrastructure
The government has announced £196 million for a new National Engineering Biology Programme to support researcher-led projects and £184 million for a Scale-up Infrastructure Programme to build and upgrade pilot facilities. These measures aim to strengthen the UK’s ability to take innovations from early-stage research into scalable commercial applications.
Regulatory reform
A dedicated Engineering Biology Regulators Network and an expanded regulatory sandbox are designed to smooth the path for new products. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act (2023) is also expected to create clearer routes to market for agritech and precision-bred products. Together, these initiatives signal a commitment to making regulation more agile while maintaining responsible standards.
Skills and workforce development
The plan identifies skills as a priority, with new initiatives such as the TechFirst programme, which will provide undergraduate bursaries, Masters placements and PhD opportunities in key areas including engineering biology. Alongside this, measures to attract international talent, such as adjustments to visa pathways, are intended to strengthen the UK’s capacity to deliver on its ambitions.
Regional clusters
The report highlights the strength of UK clusters in Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, each contributing to the engineering biology ecosystem. Government funding through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund will allow regional leaders to target R&D investment, supporting growth across the country rather than being concentrated in a single hub.
International positioning
Engineering biology is presented as a global growth opportunity. Wider analyses estimate that it could generate between £1.6 and £3.1 trillion by 2040, with the UK well-positioned to capture significant value. The UK is already the leading hub in Europe, attracting around 40 per cent of venture capital investment, and is described as the strongest ecosystem outside the United States and China. The strategy outlines an ambition for the UK to shape international standards and act as a leader in responsible innovation.
Potential Impact on the Industry
The measures outlined in the report have the potential to influence how engineering biology develops in the UK over the coming decade. Increased investment in research and infrastructure could help companies address one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: scaling from the laboratory to full commercial production. Access to pilot facilities and specialised equipment may reduce the need for firms to look overseas for scale-up capacity.
Regulatory reforms, if implemented effectively, could shorten the time it takes for new products to reach the market. By testing new approaches through sandboxes and building on the Genetic Technology Act, the UK may establish itself as a location where innovation can move responsibly but more quickly from concept to application.
Skills initiatives such as TechFirst and expanded visa pathways are likely to strengthen the talent pipeline. For industry, this could mean better access to skilled scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, which is essential for maintaining momentum in a fast-moving field.
The emphasis on regional clusters highlights the government’s intention to support growth across multiple locations. This may encourage greater collaboration between universities, start-ups and scale-ups in different parts of the country, helping to spread the benefits of engineering biology beyond traditional centres.
Finally, the focus on international leadership underlines the UK’s ambition to play a central role in shaping global standards for responsible innovation. This could enhance confidence among investors and international partners, creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Looking Ahead
The Digital and Technologies Sector Plan places engineering biology firmly on the national agenda. The commitments on investment, infrastructure, regulation, skills and clusters all signal recognition of the sector’s importance to the UK economy and to wider societal challenges.
The impact of these measures will depend on how effectively they are implemented and on the ability of industry, academia, investors and policymakers to work together. The opportunities are significant, but they will require sustained effort and collaboration to realise their full potential.
At SynbiCITE, our focus remains on supporting the commercialisation of engineering biology. We will continue to work with partners across the ecosystem to ensure that innovation can move responsibly from lab to market and deliver benefits for the economy, the environment and society.
Join the Conversation at SynbiTECH
The Digital and Technologies Sector Plan sets out bold commitments for engineering biology, from new funding and infrastructure to skills, clusters and global leadership. Delivering on this vision will take collaboration across industry, academia, investors and policymakers.
That’s exactly what SynbiTECH is designed for: bringing together the people and organisations shaping the future of engineering biology. This year’s event will provide a platform to explore the opportunities highlighted in the plan, share insights on scaling responsibly, and connect with those driving the UK’s bioeconomy forward.
If you want to be part of the conversation on how we turn strategy into impact, we look forward to seeing you at #SynbiTECH2025.
