India, the world’s most populous country, has been experiencing a major economic upswing since 2020. It has also seen significant growth in the biotech industry and seeks to become a biomanufacturing hub valued at USD 100 billion annually. From 2014 to 2022, India’s bioeconomy has grown eightfold from USD 10 billion in 2014 to over USD 80 billion in 2022. The Indian biotech industry aims to grow to USD 150 billion by 2025 and to USD 300 billion by 2030.¹

With a focus on biopharmaceuticals, bioagriculture and bioindustrial applications, India aims to position itself as a leading destination for bioinnovation and biomanufacturing. In the area of research and innovation, its five-year plan “Strategy for New India@75” envisages a new institution (an “empowered body”) that breaks down traditional silos between ministries and sectoral stakeholders and better aligns and coordinates the various different initiatives.

India has formulated ambitious plans to create a “knowledge driven bioeconomy” and to fully harness the potential of biotechnology for national development and the well-being of society. The National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2020–2025) outlines the goal of building and strengthening a strong education, research and translation ecosystem throughout the country. It also aims is to make India a global player in the development and deployment of new and emerging technologies, while at the same time creating a vibrant start-up and industrial base that features strong ties between academia and industry.

Due to its abundant resources and sizable demand for biological products, China has a large domestic market and a well-developed industrial system. The bioeconomy has become – thanks to years of strong growth – one of the country’s main industrial pillars. As part of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), China’s National Development and Reform Commission has formulated measures to promote the innovative bioeconomy, particularly in the four key areas of biomedicine, bioagriculture, biomanufacturing and biosecurity. It sees biotechnological innovations, industrial development and an improved policy environment as paving the way for the successful implementation of the five-year plan. The aim is to further boost innovation and foster high-quality development in order to create a modern, innovative ecosystem deeply integrated into industrial supply chains, thus promoting the smart and sustainable development of the bioeconomy industry.¹