New bipartisan legislation aims to assess and enhance the U.S. biotechnology workforce amid rising competition with China.
Congressman Ro Khanna and Rep. Rich McCormick have introduced the Federal Biotechnology Workforce Assessment Act, seeking to evaluate the current capabilities and future needs of the U.S. biotechnology workforce. This initiative reflects growing concerns over maintaining the U.S. competitive edge in key sectors such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
The legislation mandates collaboration between the Office of Personnel Management and various federal agencies to define the biotechnology workforce and identify staffing requirements for “bio-literate” employees. The findings will guide future hiring and workforce strategies, ensuring alignment with industry demands.
Khanna emphasized that strengthening the federal biotechnology workforce is crucial for economic and scientific leadership. McCormick echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for a coordinated strategy to address workforce gaps and align federal research with industry needs. The proposed measures aim to broaden the definition of the biotechnology workforce to include not just scientists but a range of skilled workers essential for the sector's growth.
This legislative effort is seen as a proactive step to ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and biomanufacturing. As the global landscape evolves, such assessments and strategic planning could be vital for sustaining national security and economic prosperity in biotechnology.