Original Title: Notice from the Office of the People’s Government of Baoshan District, Shanghai, on the Issuance of the “Three-Year Action Plan for Accelerating the Development of a Synthetic Biology Industry Pilot Zone in Baoshan District (2023–2025)”
To the People’s Governments of All Towns, the Offices of All Subdistricts, and All Commissions, Offices, and Bureaus of the District Government:
With the approval of the District Government, we hereby issue to you the “Three-Year Action Plan for Accelerating the Development of a Synthetic Biology Industry Pilot Zone in Baoshan District (2023–2025).” Please implement it conscientiously.
December 26, 2023
Three-Year Action Plan for Accelerating the Development of a Synthetic Biology Industry Pilot Zone in Baoshan District (2023–2025)
To thoroughly implement the “Notice of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government on Issuing the <Action Plan for Shanghai to Build an Innovation Hub for Future Industries and Develop and Expand Future Industry Clusters>” (Shanghai Municipal Government Document [2022] No. 11),and in alignment with the “Notice of the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government on Issuing the <Action Plan for Shanghai to Accelerate Synthetic Biology Innovation and Build a High-End Biomanufacturing Industrial Cluster (2023–2025)>” (Shanghai Municipal Government Office Document [2023] No. 18),and with the goal of accelerating the cultivation and development of cutting-edge synthetic biology technologies and industrial clusters, this Action Plan is formulated to comprehensively promote the aggregation of all elements for development in the field of synthetic biology in Baoshan District, build a relatively sound synthetic biology industrial ecosystem, and accelerate the creation of a pilot zone for the synthetic biology industry.
I. General Requirements
(1) Guiding Principles
Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, seize new opportunities for technology to lead industrial transformation, and focus on Shanghai’s efforts to strengthen the “Four Major Functions,”and deepening the construction of the “Five Centers,” in accordance with Baoshan District’s “Northern Transformation” strategic deployment and the objective of building the “main stronghold of Shanghai’s Science and Technology Innovation Center,” this Action Plan is formulated to fully leverage the important role of synthetic biology in the new wave of global bioeconomic transformation, accelerate the introduction and cultivation of distinctive industries, vigorously advance the construction of functional platforms, promote the deep integration of synthetic biology technologies with industrial applications, and provide strong impetus for the high-quality development of Baoshan District.
(2) Main Objectives
By 2025, in the field of synthetic biology, a number of innovative achievements will emerge, a number of functional platforms will be established, a number of leading enterprises will be introduced and cultivated, and a pool of high-quality talent will be gathered. We will promote the synergistic development of the innovation chain, industrial chain, and talent chain, establish a pilot zone for the synthetic biology industry, and preliminarily build a relatively sound industrial ecosystem, thereby playing an active role in Shanghai’s “One Core, Two Wings” synthetic biology industrial layout.
— Significantly enhanced R&D and commercialization capabilities. Advance the construction of the “Synthetic Biology Large-Scale Commercialization Platform” and facilitate the establishment of the Synthetic Biology Industry Innovation and Commercialization Center. By 2025, establish 1–2 functional innovation platforms in fields such as biomanufacturing fermentation process R&D and biomass refining engineering technology; commercialize no fewer than 20 synthetic biology technology achievements; file 30 synthetic biology-related patent applications; publish 30 academic papers; and undertake several national-level synthetic biology research projects.
——Significant progress in industrial clustering. We will prioritize both attracting and nurturing local talent.By 2025, we aim to attract and cultivate 5–10 domestically leading synthetic biology, biotechnology, and biomanufacturing projects and enterprises with strong R&D and industrial capabilities; cluster approximately 50 upstream and downstream related enterprises; foster 1–2 near-unicorn enterprises; attract 30–50 leading and young talents in the field of synthetic biology at the professor level or above; and establish a synthetic biology industrial pilot zone with an industry scale exceeding 5 billion yuan.
——Continuously strengthen the development of application scenarios. Leverage Baoshan’s comprehensive industrial advantages to enhance applied research in synthetic biology, expand the scale of mass production, and promote the parallel development of platform-based and product-oriented companies. By 2025, with a focus on the biopharmaceutical sector while advancing in advanced materials, consumer goods, and green low-carbon sectors, we will cultivate a series of typical application demonstration scenarios.
By 2025, R&D commercialization capabilities will be further enhanced, with a number of internationally influential scientific research achievements and innovative products successfully commercialized; the scale of industrial agglomeration will be further expanded, with a significant increase in the number of leading enterprises, technology-based enterprises, “specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative” enterprises, “unicorn” enterprises, and “gazelle” enterprises;the development of application scenarios will achieve significant results, successfully driving the rapid development of key sectors such as biomedicine, advanced materials, consumer goods, and green and low-carbon industries, and the establishment of a high-end synthetic biology technology transfer center and a high-end intelligent manufacturing center will be substantially completed.
II. Key Focus Areas
The foundational layer will lead innovation by focusing on core technologies—primarily those related to gene synthesis, editing, assembly, and sequencing—to provide support for component construction.This includes DNA/RNA synthesis, DNA sequencing, DNA component libraries, model chassis biological libraries, tool enzymes, and gene editing services (CRISPR-Cas9), with a focus on core areas such as genetic circuits, synthetic genomics, rational design of cellular factories, chassis cell construction and directed evolution, and precision fermentation.
The Platform Layer empowers commercialization, focusing on digital-assisted R&D and the commercialization of scientific research outcomes. By utilizing tools such as bio-EDA, microfluidic technology, high-throughput screening equipment, metabolic pathway engineering, automated strain modification platforms, and bio-foundries, we will further promote the integration of BT and IT and accelerate the convergence of synthetic biology and artificial intelligence. We will explore the establishment of platforms such as a Synthetic Biology Industry Research Institute, with a focus on introducing or building functional institutions such as innovation incubators and shared GLP laboratories.
The application layer delves into industrial implementation, focusing on the application of synthetic biology in four major sectors: biomedicine, advanced materials, consumer goods, and green and low-carbon technologies. In the biomedicine sector, leveraging existing strengths and relying on the mRNA drug R&D technology platforms of local enterprises, the platform will develop products related to tumor immunotherapy; optimize the molecular structure of CAR carriers to develop next-generation immunotherapy technologies; and utilize mesenchymal stem cell technology to develop universal and off-the-shelf stem cell therapies, with a focus on sub-sectors such as new drug development, precision medicine, and natural medicines and their derivatives.In the advanced materials sector, the focus will be on sub-sectors such as bio-based materials (represented by PHA), industrial enzyme preparations, and bio-based chemicals. In the consumer goods sector, the focus will be on sub-sectors such as functional cosmetic ingredients, high-end food additives, plant-based meat, and dairy products. In the green and low-carbon sector, in conjunction with the construction of a model zone for green and low-carbon transformation, the focus will be on developing sub-sectors such as biofuels and bio-solar energy.
III. Development Framework
Adhering to a district-wide coordinated approach, differentiated layout, and collaborative development, a “1+1+3” spatial layout will be formed: “1” refers to the Nanjing University Synthetic Biology Industrial Park, which serves as a key hub for the Synthetic Biology Transformation Center. It will advance the construction of functional platforms and, leveraging high-density innovation resources, provide foundational support for technological and industrial innovation;Undertaking major national science and technology projects, guided by national strategies, to develop original and disruptive scientific and technological achievements, and achieve breakthroughs in synthetic biology from being constrained—to overcoming constraints—to setting new standards; “1” refers to the Southern District of the Shanghai Baoshan High-Tech Industrial Park (hereinafter referred to as “Baoshan High-Tech Zone”), which serves as a key hub for the synthetic biology industry center,The pilot-scale upscaling process is a weak link in China’s synthetic biology industry. With the Southern District of Baoshan High-Tech Zone as the main axis, we will build a “Synthetic Biology Scale-up Platform” to undertake pilot-scale upscaling functions for technology commercialization. We will establish a first-class “Research Amplifier Pilot Base” in China to accelerate project commercialization, connect with high-quality projects nationwide, empower universities, research institutes, and innovation teams, and bridge the “last mile” of industrial transformation;"3" refers to the North Shanghai Biomedical Industrial Park, the Super-Energy New Materials Science and Technology Innovation Park, and the Baowu (Shanghai) Carbon Neutrality Industrial Park. As synthetic biology industrial bases, these sites will host industrialization projects in bio-based materials, biomedicine, and other synthetic biology sectors, while continuously expanding industrial application scenarios. Leveraging existing corporate resources, they will accelerate the industrialization of synthetic biology R&D achievements, with a focus on the biomedical field and key application scenarios in advanced materials, consumer goods, and green low-carbon sectors.
IV. Task Deployment
(1) Accelerating the Commercialization of Synthetic Biology R&D Achievements
1. Support the Development of Commercialization and Industrialization Capabilities
In fields such as gene synthesis, editing, assembly, and sequencing, support the development of high-level R&D facility platforms with independent intellectual property rights and core competitiveness. Actively seek national and municipal funding support to undertake major strategic scientific and technological tasks in the field of synthetic biology at the national and Shanghai municipal levels. Support the establishment of synthetic biology-related proof-of-concept centers, actively plan for new R&D institutions such as technology innovation centers and testing and inspection platforms, and encourage the construction of pilot and intermediate-scale testing platforms.(Responsible Units: District Science and Technology Commission, District Economic Commission, Luodian Town, Baoshan High-Tech Zone, Nanda Development Company)
2. Strengthen Collaborative Innovation with Research Institutions and Think Tanks
(1) Deepen cooperation with academician and expert teams. Focusing on R&D breakthroughs in industrial application-oriented basic research and common key technologies, we will advance the establishment of a Synthetic Biology Industry Research Institute based on a new model of R&D institutions characterized by market-oriented operational mechanisms, flexible personnel systems, and world-class industry standards. Centered on leading figures both domestically and internationally, we will focus on technological innovation and the application and commercialization of research outcomes, establish long-term cooperation mechanisms, and leverage the “best minds” torevitalize the “academician and expert economy,” commercialize a batch of research outcomes, and cultivate a cohort of landmark, pioneering synthetic biology innovation projects. (Responsible Units: District Economic Commission, District Science and Technology Commission, District Party Committee Talent Office, District Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, Luodian Town, Baoshan High-Tech Zone, Nanda Development Company)
(2) Strengthen cooperation with universities and research institutions. Continuously promote substantive project collaboration with leading synthetic biology disciplines at universities such as Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, East China Normal University, and East China University of Science and Technology. Relying on platforms such as the Shanghai Synthetic Biology Innovation Alliance, the Shanghai University Science and Technology Park, the Baoshan Fudan Science and Technology Innovation Center, the Baoshan Digital Science and Technology Innovation Hub, and the Baoshan District Innovation Consortium, we will deploy innovation outcome transformation chains around the industrial chain to enhance the level of transformation of original innovation outcomes.(Responsible Units: District Science and Technology Commission, District Economic Commission, Luodian Town, Baoshan High-Tech Zone, Nanda Development Company)
3. Encourage and Support Technological Innovation in Enterprises
(1) Focus on optimizing the mass entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, upgrading the incubation system, and enhancing incubation capabilities. Strengthen the cultivation and support of startups in the synthetic biology sector. Support the introduction of well-known domestic and international incubation institutions and operators. Continuously build maker spaces, technology business incubators, and accelerators that serve synthetic biology startups, equipped with comprehensive facilities and complete public service functions. (Responsible Units: District Science and Technology Commission, Nanda Development Company, Luodian Town)
(2) Support the establishment of innovation consortia and encourage member units to conduct joint research to achieve breakthroughs in key or generic technologies. Encourage research institutions and market entities to expand channels for cooperation with social capital, leverage the interdisciplinary advantages of synthetic biology to explore new fields, and compile a list of core industrial technologies. Support synthetic biology enterprises in establishing or co-establishing corporate R&D institutions to enhance their independent innovation capabilities. (Responsible Units: District Science and Technology Commission, District Economic Commission)
(3) Actively promote the “open challenge” mechanism, supporting synthetic biology enterprises in collaborating with universities and research institutes to tackle key core technologies, undertake major innovation projects, and commercialize key generic technological achievements. (Responsible Units: District Science and Technology Commission, District Economic Commission)
(II) Accelerate the Development of Synthetic Biology Industrial Clusters
4. Focus on leading enterprises in the industry and strengthen efforts to attract projects
Focus on enterprises at key control points in the industry. Compile a list of key domestic and international synthetic biology enterprises, particularly leading domestic and international synthetic biology firms, high-end R&D institutions, and major industrial projects. Concentrate superior resources and policies to accelerate the introduction of high-quality projects and leading enterprises characterized by high technological content, strong innovation capabilities, and significant economies of scale. Encourage leading enterprises to engage in industry and industrial chain mergers and acquisitions to leverage their driving and radiating effects, thereby promoting integrated innovation and the expansion and strengthening of the synthetic biology industrial chain;Strengthen the cultivation and support of synthetic biology startups, encourage innovative enterprises to deepen their roots in niche sectors, and foster a cohort of “unicorn” companies, “gazelle” enterprises, single-champion enterprises, and leading companies in these specialized fields. (Responsible Units: District Science and Technology Innovation Commission, District Economic Commission, District Science and Technology Commission, Luodian Town, Baoshan High-Tech Zone, Nanda Development Company)
5. Establish and Improve a Collaborative Mechanism Involving Alumni Associations, Chambers of Commerce, and Industry Associations
Strengthen cooperation with alumni associations of leading universities in the synthetic biology field, as well as industry chambers of commerce and associations. Establish a joint investment promotion mechanism, targeting academic leaders from universities and corporate resources from industry chambers and associations. Organize industry-academia-research and investment promotion matchmaking events to facilitate regular exchanges and interactions, and effectively implement strategies of attracting investment through academic networks and attracting enterprises through existing enterprises. (Responsible Units: District Science and Technology Innovation Commission, District Economic Commission, District Science and Technology Commission, Luodian Town, Baoshan High-Tech Zone, Nanda Development Company)
6. Enhancing the Internationalization of Investment Promotion
Actively pursue “going global” investment promotion, advance the construction of a global investment promotion network, thoroughly explore project information, seize foreign investment opportunities in major industrial projects, and create a powerful magnet for attracting resources. Continuously elevate Baoshan’s industrial capabilities by connecting with global resources and embracing global markets. (Responsible Units: District Science and Technology Innovation Commission, District Economic Commission, District Science and Technology Commission, Luodian Town, Baoshan High-Tech Zone, Nanda Development Company)
(III) Advancing the Development of Synthetic Biology Infrastructure
7. Accelerate the Construction of the Shanghai Nanda Synthetic Biology Industrial Park
Addressing the office and pilot testing needs of enterprises and R&D institutions of varying scales and at different stages, we will adopt a model combining customized and standardized development to accelerate the construction of the Shanghai Nanjing University Synthetic Biology Industrial Park. The first phase of facilities in the park will become operational in 2023, with construction of all facilities in the park commencing by 2025. (Responsible Units: District Economic Commission, Nanjing University Development Company)
8. Large-Scale, Standardized Development of Synthetic Biology Industrial Facilities
To shorten project implementation cycles and accelerate the clustering of the synthetic biology industry, we will adhere to principles of large-scale development, integrated development zones, standardized construction, and centralized supporting facilities. Designating the North Shanghai Biomedical Industrial Park as the core area for the concentrated industrialization of synthetic biology, we will consolidate upstream and downstream industrial chain resources, expedite land acquisition and development, actively plan and construct standardized biopharmaceutical factory buildings, and promote the development of industrial clusters.(Responsible Units: District Development and Reform Commission, District Economic Commission, District Planning and Natural Resources Bureau, Luodian Town, Baoshan High-Tech Zone)
(IV) Accelerate the Optimization of the Talent Development Environment for Synthetic Biology
9. Intensify Efforts to Attract and Cultivate Talent
Leveraging innovation platforms as vehicles and major projects as foundations, we will harness global synthetic biology intellectual resources with an international perspective. We will establish a tiered network of top synthetic biology talent, focusing primarily on leading scientists and outstanding engineers in the field, and will target the recruitment of “high-end, specialized, and scarce” talent.For mid-to-senior management talent, leverage overseas talent workstations, the “Post a Challenge, Recruit a Leader” initiative for scientific research breakthroughs, and the “Science and Innovation Cup” innovation and entrepreneurship competition to strengthen the recruitment of high-level talent for the synthetic biology industry both domestically and internationally. Organize specialized talent supply-demand matching events for synthetic biology to build a communication platform connecting talent suppliers with corporate demand. (Responsible Units: District Party Committee Talent Office, District Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, Luodian Town, Baoshan High-Tech Zone, District Education Bureau, Nanda Development Company)
10. Strengthen the Cultivation of Skilled Talent
Establish a high-skilled talent training system centered on industry enterprises, grounded in vocational colleges, and combining government promotion with social support. Carry out training for applied, interdisciplinary, and in-demand talent. Encourage enterprises to incorporate synthetic biology talent development into their overall corporate development plans and annual schedules based on actual needs, and vigorously cultivate high-skilled talent. Deepen the integration of industry and education as well as school-enterprise cooperation, with a focus on targeted commissioned training and package-based training programs. Explore innovative models such as dual-system education (school-enterprise), “factory-in-school,” and “school-in-factory.”(Responsible Units: District Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, District Economic Commission, District Education Bureau)
(5) Accelerate Integrated Innovation in Synthetic Biology and Finance
11. Establish a Synthetic Biology Special Fund
(1) In line with Baoshan’s transformation strategy and development plans, support more synthetic biology technology innovation projects through a combination of “grant-and-investment” and “investment-first, equity-later” approaches. (Responsible Unit: District Science and Technology Commission)
(2) Establish a district-level synthetic biology special sub-fund under the Baoshan District Science and Technology Innovation Industry Fund, focusing on the development of the district’s synthetic biology industry and meeting the funding needs of synthetic biology enterprises at different stages. (Responsible Units: District State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, District State-owned Investment Company, Nanda Development Company)
(3) Actively support relevant sub-districts, towns, and industrial parks in establishing synthetic biology industry funds to leverage social capital and create a “finance + industry + ecosystem” model. (Responsible Units: District State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, District Development and Reform Commission (District Financial Services Office), all sub-districts, towns, and industrial parks)
12. Expand Corporate Financing Channels
(1) Deepen strategic cooperation with financial institutions. Encourage banks within the district to increase credit disbursement, develop more credit products tailored to the characteristics of the synthetic biology economy, and provide greater financing support to eligible synthetic biology enterprises. (Responsible Unit: District Development and Reform Commission (District Financial Services Office))
(2) Expand the functions of the Shanghai (Baoshan) Science and Technology Innovation Financial Service Center. Establish a platform for precise matching between synthetic biology enterprises and investment institutions to promote healthy interaction between enterprises and capital. Continuously expand the pool of pre-IPO enterprises, strengthen tiered and categorized cultivation, and support synthetic biology enterprises in accessing capital markets and achieving high-quality development. (Responsible Units: District Development and Reform Commission (District Financial Services Office), Nanda Development Company)
(VI) Accelerate the Construction of a Synthetic Biology Innovation Service System
13. Continuously Optimize the Business Environment
(1) Based on the actual conditions of industrial development and building upon policy frameworks such as Baoshan’s “30 Measures for Science and Technology Innovation,” “Biopharmaceutical 2.0,” and the “Golden Ten Measures” for university science and technology parks, optimize and introduce specialized support policies for the synthetic biology industry in Baoshan District tailored to its characteristics. Increase support for the construction and operation of industrial platforms, the implementation of major technological innovation projects, the settlement of expert talent, and international exchange and cooperation. (Responsible Unit: District Economic Commission)
(2) Continuously improve enterprise services by establishing a chief agent service system, expanding both offline and online assistance models, and implementing innovative measures such as the “One-Stop Project Launch” integrated approval service package, “Single-Building Acceptance,” and “Simultaneous Issuance of Six Certificates.” (Responsible Units: District Development and Reform Commission, District Construction and Management Commission, Luodian Town, Baoshan High-Tech Zone, Nanda Development Company)
14. Strengthen the Resilience of Supporting Industrial and Supply Chains
Leveraging the district’s advantages in relevant industrial chains, supply chains, and industrial infrastructure, we will promote multi-party collaboration among upstream and downstream enterprises along the industrial chain. We will launch the “Strengthen andgap-filling” initiatives. Accelerate the introduction and clustering of supply chain enterprises—such as those providing instruments, equipment, reagents, and consumables—required for key stages of synthetic biology R&D, production, and testing. Establish and improve supporting service institutions, including certification services, intellectual property services, financial and legal services, exhibition services, and industry associations. Build an industrial public service system covering “innovation platforms + industrial synergy + professional consulting + operational capabilities,” thereby forming a full-chain industrial capacity spanning “incubation and cultivation—R&D and innovation—technology transfer—production acceleration.”(Responsible Units: District Science and Technology Innovation Commission, District Economic Commission, District Science and Technology Commission, District Commerce Commission, District Market Supervision Bureau, Luodian Town, Baoshan High-Tech Zone, Nanda Development Company)
15. Fostering an Industrial Ecosystem
(1) Collaborate with renowned Chinese associations in the field of synthetic biology to host global, high-level forums and summits on synthetic biology that bring together researchers, industry representatives, and investors from around the world, thereby enhancing Baoshan’s industrial reputation and influence. (Responsible Units: District Economic Commission, District Science and Technology Commission, District Science and Technology Innovation Commission, Luodian Town, Baoshan High-Tech Zone, Nanjing University Development Company)
(2) Organize innovation and entrepreneurship competitions in the field of synthetic biology. Through events such as the “Baoshan Cup” College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, identify a group of outstanding “seed” enterprises and create opportunities for them in investment, collaboration, promotion, industrial exchange, and business establishment. (Responsible Units: District Science and Technology Commission, District Party Committee Talent Office, District Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, Nanjing University Development Company)
