Mapping the emerging field of genome editing

Abstract

Targeted genetic modification (TagMo) technologies are being used for new approaches to genetic engineering often called ‘genome editing’. These approaches are in the early stages of development, and basic understandings of what TagMo is, of its likely future, and how it should be governed are still being established. In order to inform these discussions and increase their transparency, we map the scientific landscape of TagMo using advances in tech mining and bibliometrics and in consultation with experts in the field. We assess the sub-topics and disciplines associated with TagMo research, and the actors, institutions, and nations involved, while making observations about the funding of research and the collaborative patterns among actors. The technology assessment approach used in this article has important implications for anticipatory governance of TagMo plant products. It is designed to help scientists, managers, and policy-makers understand trends in TagMo technological development in order to prepare for future governance.

Keywords:

• targeted genetic modification
• biotechnology
• governance
• bibliometrics
• genome editing

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge support from National Science Foundation grant {#}0923827 (D. Voytas PI, J. Kuzma co-PI). The authors thank Prof. Daniel Voytas and the Voytas lab for technical input in the preparation of the manuscript and helping to develop the keywords.

Funding

The funding source for this project was National Science Foundation grant {#}0923827.

Notes on contributors

Aliya Kuzhabekova joined the Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan, in Summer 2013. She works as an Assistant Professor in Higher Education Policy and Administration at the Graduate School of Education. Her primary research will focus on university research capacity building in transitional economies. Prior to this position, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. She conducted research on governance of emerging technologies, including biotechnology, nanotechnology, and synthetic biology. Jennifer Kuzma joined North Carolina State University in 2013 as the Goodnight-Glaxo Wellcome Distinguished Professor in the Social Sciences and Professor in the School of Public Affairs at North Carolina State University. She is also co-director of the interdisciplinary Genetic Engineering and Society program at NCSU. Before this position, Kuzma was a faculty member at the University of Minnesota for 10 years in the Science, Technology and Environmental Policy area of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Her research focuses on governance systems for emerging technologies, particularly genetic engineering, and she has published over 90 academic articles, book chapters, and policy reports in this and related areas.