VALENCIA, SPAIN - Biotechnology is more than just an emerging scientific frontier - it also impacts the global economy, competition, and societal transformation. To learn about a more expanded context of biotech innovations in the United States economy, geopolitics, and society, I posed several questions to Abigail Kukura, the Director of Future Technology Platforms at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP).

Founded by Dr Eric Schmidt - co-founder and former chief executive of Google - the Arlington, Virginia-based SCSP is a non-partisan, non-profit initiative with a clear mission - to make recommendations to strengthen long-term US competitiveness as artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies reshape national security, the economy, and society. 

Kukura's unique position - which combines international security strategy with biotech - enables her to see the broader picture beyond just technological progress. The following exchange will help readers gain insights into not just where she believes biotech might take humanity, but also how it is reshaping the global stage.

Abigail, can you share a bit about your personal journey into the biotech sector and what inspired you to take on the role of Director, Future Technology Platforms at the SCSP?

My education and experience have been aimed at international security strategy and policymaking. I have always particularly enjoyed working at the intersection of various disciplines and bringing the right actors together to build bridges and translate ideas into action. With that in mind, I joined the SCSP because it seemed like a fantastic opportunity to help shape policy at the intersection of technology and national security. Two years into my work here, it has been amazing to dive into biotechnology and learn from those driving the cutting edge of the field. I see my role as helping to translate tho