More socio-technical assessments of synthetic biology to inform security deliberations

This paper discusses the problems with relying on a biotech revolution framework to understand the development and diffusion of synthetic biology. The paper then suggests an alternative framework that involves a more evolutionary understanding of how biotechnologies develop and suggests new micro- and macro-level case studies for further inquiry. This proposed research agenda will better elucidate the socio-technical factors that can shape whether/how state or non-state actors may acquire, develop, and deploy synthetic biology for harm.