Open AccessThe economics and policy of genome editing in crop improvement
Author(s) -
Kalaitzandonakes Nicholas,
Willig Christopher,
Zahringer Kenneth
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
the plant genome
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 1940-3372
DOI - 10.1002/tpg2.20248
Subject(s) - genome editing , scope (computer science) , biology , productivity , genome , microbiology and biotechnology , agriculture , data science , computer science , ecology , genetics , economic growth , gene , economics , programming language
Abstract In this review article we analyze the economics of genome editing and its potential long‐term effect on crop improvement and agriculture. We describe the emergence of genome editing as a novel platform for crop improvement, distinct from the existing platforms of plant breeding and genetic engineering. We review key technical characteristics of genome editing and describe how it enables faster trait development, lower research and development costs, and the development of novel traits not possible through previous crop improvement methods. Given these fundamental technical and economic advantages, we describe how genome editing can greatly increase the productivity and broaden the scope of crop improvement with potential outsized economic effects. We further discuss how the global regulatory policy environment, which is still emerging, can shape the ultimate path of genome editing innovation, its effect on crop improvement, and its overall socioeconomic benefits to society.