chapter 7:

A call for action by OECD countries and beyond
Biological resource centres of high quality which provide access to all legitimate users underpin the future of the life sciences and biotechnology. To secure this essential infrastructure requires a series of actions. In most countries, the lead role will fall to national governments. Governments, however, need to act in concert with the international scientific community. Also, the private sector may play an increasing role, as its interest in BRCs is likely to grow with the global expansion of biotechnology.

Therefore, it is recommended that governments, the scientific community and the private sector work together to achieve five goals:

Establish national BRCs
Selectively seek to strengthen existing ex situ collections of biological data and materials and, when needed, create new collections, including in non-OECD countries, and raise those collections to the quality required for accreditation as national BRCs.

Develop an accreditation system for BRCs based on international criteria
Support the development of an accreditation system for BRCs based upon scientifically acceptable objective international criteria for quality, expertise and financial stability.

Create international linkages among BRCs
Facilitate international co-ordination among national BRCs. This should be based upon modern informatics systems that link biological data to biological materials across national BRCs and upon common technological frameworks.

Co-ordinate standards, rules and regulations taking BRCs into account
Take into account the objectives and functioning of BRCs when establishing and harmonising national or international rules and regulations. Develop policies to harmonise the operational parameters under which BRCs function, including those governing access to biological resources as well as their exchange and distribution, taking into account relevant national and international laws and agreements.

Establish a global BRC network
Support the establishment of a global BRC network that would enhance access to BRCs and foster international co-operation and economic development. A global BRC network would greatly improve the conditions under which biological materials and information are preserved and exchanged. How this challenge is met may affect the future of life sciences and biotechnology for many years to come. It is a challenge that calls for the full support of governments, the scientific community and the private sector.