Abstract only for the moment
The novel science field of synthetic biology is a key part of the emerging bio-economy.  By constructing new artificial biological elements and re-designing existing ones for improving useful features, it is considered to hold high potential as a solution for climate change, diseases and energy resources, for enhanced agricultural efficiency and new raw materials.  The global market for synthetic biology was valued at $233.8 million in 2008 with projected growth of 60% each year: sales are expected to rise to $10,800 million by 2016. Corporations are also developing technologies to decrease fabrication costs of synthetic entities. However, many experts and institutions believe that these aims imply several risks during their achievement. This study focuses on the extent to which views expressed on the uses and abuses of synthetic biology are held by key stakeholders in the field.  Q-Methodology was used to identify how stakeholders from different backgrounds and institutional settings  respond to particular statements found in the synthetic biology literature.

Security is the main concern relating to synthetic biology. There is agreement that governments should enhance preventive measures and regulate synthetic applications: forbidding some (such as bioweapons), introducing strict controls on others (present and future free GMO’s in the environment) and encouraging others (reviving extinct species).  There is widespread concern that weak and indulgent regulation would allow large companies to control the synthetic biology market, leading to excessive risks for biodiversity conservation and natural resource stocks.   Public administrations could face substantial costs for restoration of the environmental damage caused. It is clear that this field will continue to grow and new applications will be developed. Therefore tools and policies need to be developed, appraised and applied in order to regulate this novel field, enhancing its social, economic and environmental benefits while adopting a precautionary approach to the avoidance of potentially serious hazards.