Syntetisk biologi og bioteknologi i forsvarssektoren

Synthetic biology and biotechnology are rapidly developing fields that are expected to be widely used in many areas of society, both civil and military. These technologies are highlighted by NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO) as Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) and are expected to be important to military operations in the future. This report points to technological trends within synthetic biology and biotechnology that may represent relevant technological investments for the defence sector. We provide an overview of selected technology trends, available in open literature, within biotechnology and synthetic biology. Synthetic biology is expected to be important to both civil and military use in the future. However, the same technology can also be exploited to cause harm. Our report is limited to identifying the positive opportunities of synthetic biology and biotechnology. We have focused on the following: • Biotechnology and human enhancement are scientific priority areas in NATO, and this includes the use of both biotechnological and non-biotechnological methods to overcome normal human limitations or abilities. • Sequencing technologies can be used for detection, identification and monitoring (DIM) of hazardous biological compounds and genetically modified microorganisms. • Development of biosensors for rapid diagnostics and detection of biological threats in the laboratory and field is important for the Armed Forces and for the civil society as well. • Trends in synthetic biology point towards the development of new materials that could enable the Armed Forces to operate in environments with extreme temperatures or to use materials that emit low signatures and are difficult to detect (camouflage). • The environment and climate are important not only for civil society but also for the Armed Forces. Technologies include innovative energy solutions and methods for more environmentally friendly bioremediation and biosensors for environmental monitoring. • Norway has strict regulations for the use of biotechnology and genetic modified organisms (GMO). The rules for GMO restrictions differ from country to country, and it is important that a harmonized framework for biotechnology and synthetic biology is put in place within other countries. This would enable the use of biotechnology and synthetic biology across national borders for useful purposes. Synthetic biology is important for society to achieve the UN’s sustainability goals in areas of particular importance to the Armed Forces and civil society. We recommend that the defence sector strengthens its collaboration with civilian research institutions to better monitor the developments in science and technology and leverage knowledge and technology to enhance defence capabilities.