世界经济论坛-食品体系中的生物创新-迈向多利益相关方合作的新篇章（英文）-2018.9-23页

Bio-Innovation in the Food System: Summary

Core Content

This white paper, published by the World Economic Forum in September 2018, explores the role of bio-innovation in transforming the global food system. It highlights the growing challenges in food production, distribution, and consumption, and argues that bio-innovation, when guided by inclusive and transparent governance, can play a crucial role in addressing these issues. The paper emphasizes the need for a new chapter in multistakeholder collaboration to shape the future of bio-innovation in a way that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Main Points

• Food System Challenges: The global food system is under significant stress due to rising population, environmental degradation, and declining consumer trust. Approximately 800 million people are undernourished, 2 billion are micronutrient deficient, and 2 billion are overweight or obese. About 1.3 billion tonnes of food are lost or wasted annually, contributing to resource inefficiencies and environmental harm.

• Bio-Innovation Defined: Bio-innovation is described as the intersection of biotechnologies and evolving economic and governance models. It includes both technological advancements and social innovations, such as new business models, governance frameworks, and public narratives, aimed at improving the food system.

• Key Biotechnologies: The paper identifies several emerging biotechnologies with transformative potential, including:

  • Microbiome Technologies: Enhancing plant and animal health through microbial interactions.
  • Advanced Genomics: Enabling precise breeding and trait selection in livestock and crops.
  • Gene Editing: Such as CRISPR-Cas9, which allows for targeted genetic modifications.
  • Synthetic Biology: Involving the design and modification of biological systems to create new functionalities.

• Role in Achieving SDGs: Bio-innovation can support several SDGs, particularly:

  • Goal 2 (Zero Hunger): By improving food production and access.
  • Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Through better animal and human health outcomes.
  • Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): By reducing water usage and improving nutrient efficiency.
  • Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Through sustainable practices and waste reduction.
  • Goal 13 (Climate Action): By enabling climate-smart agriculture and reducing emissions.
  • Goal 15 (Life on Land): Through biodiversity conservation and soil health improvement.

• Multistakeholder Collaboration: The paper advocates for a shared, inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, governments, NGOs, and private sector entities. It calls for the development of a holistic governance framework that ensures transparency, coordination, and public engagement.

• Need for Systemic Solutions: Bio-innovation is not a silver bullet but a part of a broader transformation effort. It must be integrated with other innovations and social factors to address complex trade-offs and ensure sustainability.

Key Information

• Stakeholder Engagement: The World Economic Forum facilitated global dialogues and roundtables in 2017 and 2018, involving a wide range of actors from different sectors and regions.

• Consumer Trust: Trust in food and food system actors has been declining, with only 33% of US consumers expressing strong confidence in food safety in recent studies.

• Bio-Innovation Opportunities:

  • Climate-Smart Agriculture: Technologies such as microbial products and gene editing can improve resilience and reduce environmental impact.
  • Reducing Food Loss and Waste: Bio-innovation can help prevent loss through improved seed quality and packaging, as well as extract value from waste through biofuel and fertilizer production.

• Challenges:

  • Polarized Debates: Past controversies around GMOs have hindered constructive dialogue.
  • Systemic Risks: Bio-innovation carries inherent risks that must be managed through inclusive governance and public engagement.

• Recommendations:

  • Develop a comprehensive and dynamic governance framework.
  • Ensure connectivity and coordination among existing governance efforts.
  • Build broad public and stakeholder engagement to foster trust.
  • Explore new governance concepts at global, national, and local levels.

Conclusion

Bio-innovation holds significant potential to reshape the food system for a more sustainable and equitable future. However, realizing this potential requires a shift from binary thinking to a collaborative, systems-based approach. By integrating technological and social innovations, stakeholders can work together to address the complex challenges of food production, distribution, and consumption, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the SDGs and the well-being of people and the planet.