Regional Food Biomanufacturing Innovation Hubs Can Catalyze US Biotechnology and National Security

Engineering biology and emerging biotechnologies are poised to diversify food production processes and provide sustainable and nutritious foods to consumers. Embracing a regional, food-focused innovation hub network can be a key strategy for advancing US biotechnology. As shown in three relevant case studies, this regional food innovation hub model can boost national security, agricultural opportunities, supply chain resilience, manufacturing capacity, and workforce development. Together, these case studies highlight the public policy opportunity for policymakers in Congress and federal agencies within the executive branch to create regional food innovation hubs across the United States that utilize unique regional biomass assets, consortia-building, and agricultural innovation in service of food and national security.