What Is The Future of Biotechnology in Post-COVID Situation?
Biotechnology is an emerging academic field that has been steadily gaining prominence in the lastdecade. The ongoing global pandemic has raised further interest in this field. It has led to everyone getcurious about the prospects and future of biotechnology in the post-COVID situation.
As the novel coronavirus, SARS-Cov-2 consumed the world; soon a race for an effective vaccine began asit continued to shake the healthcare infrastructure, industries and economies across the globe. The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has made policy makers realize the field’s immense potential in the future as well as the urgent need for major investments.
Present Status of Biotechnology as an Academic Field -
Remarkably, as per an IBEF estimate, “The Indian biotechnology industry amounted to 63 billion USD in 2019 and is forecasted to reach 102 billion USD by 2025.” It has further predicted that Indian biotechnology industry is likely to grow on to contribute up to 19 percent in the global biotechnology market as compared to just 3 percent in the year 2017.
However, despite being a contemporary science trend among young students, the field still remains largely incomprehensible for many or is being misunderstood by others. “Biotechnology is a field opted by science students when they fail to clear medical entrances,” remains one of the biggest misconceptions around biotechnologists. We must debunk all such assumptions in order to ensure that biotechnology can attract young talent and its professionals get the respect that they deserve.
On a more positive note, various initiatives by government, academia and select industries have helped the industry evolve significantly in the last few years despite these odds. Given the very nature and wide scope of this subject, biotechnology graduates can find jobs in a cross-section of industries. Major biotech employers in the country include food industry, biopharmaceuticals, bioinformatics, bio-agricultural firms and bio-science services.
However, one must be mentally prepared to work hard and have the patience in order to finally achieve success and repute in the industry. Research and Development is the core area that offers most promising avenues for growth and innovation in the field of biotechnology. And, it is no surprise that most R&D sectors prefer PhDs and Post Docs to ensure quality and reliable research.
Hurdles and Catalysts in the way of Promising Biotech Avenues -
There is no doubt that there is going to be an increased demand for biotechnology professionals in the post-COVID period. However, it might not be as smooth a road as one would like to imagine. It is high time we realize we need more biotechnologists in our country. There has been a considerable rise in the number of colleges and universities offering courses in biotechnology and related fields. But, we still need major reforms to build an education system that nurtures innovation and encourages research. There has been a concerning gap between industrial requirements and academics.
However, there have also been young pioneers wanting to initiate a positive change. For instance, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan has emerged as one of the first private, research-oriented universities in the country. It was also among the first to introduce a research based UG programme, called Summit Research Programme to provide a sound foundation for future scientists and research pioneers.
Furthermore, the premiere institute of Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore earning global recognition in the world of sciences has successfully inspired Indian students to take up scientific research by exposing them to its real potentials.
The new National Education Policy (NEP) is also going to be a major catalyst for the development of research and emerging fields like biotechnology. All higher educational institutions in India are going to go through a graded accreditation and autonomy process in a phased manner in the next 15 years. The new education policy aims to encourage innovation and excellence with a focus on nurturing professionals in cutting-edge areas including nanotechnology, genetic studies, environment and biotechnology.
Thus, it would be fair to say that there are innumerable promising possibilities for the future of biotechnology. But, one also needs to remember that there is a long way to go before India can realize its biotechnology aspirations in the post pandemic world. These COVID-19 experiences and lessons too should come handy on the road reminding us to embrace all the uncertain possibilities.
