CRISPR in Wheat: Patents, Breeding Advances, and Emerging Challenges

Abstract

CRISPR and its derivatives, such as prime editing and base editing, have a significant potential for precision biology in plant breeding, particularly in wheat. This technology can help develop climate-resilient wheat varieties, improve stress tolerance, enhance nutrient use efficiency, and increase yield potential. However, the concentration of CRISPR patents in a few academic institutions and corporations in the Global North creates a "Genome Editing Divide," impacting innovation pathways, research incentives, economic power in the seed value chain, and global food sovereignty. This study explores the implications of this divide on wheat innovation systems in the Global South and argues that the current intellectual property (IP) landscape favors privatization and profit-maximization over public good-oriented research, potentially undermining food security and sustainable development goals. Alternative governance models and licensing frameworks are proposed to ensure equitable access to CRISPR technology for wheat breeding, aiming to safeguard global food security and reduce inequalities in agricultural innovation. The analysis shows a concentration of research output in the Global North, particularly in countries like Switzerland and UK. This indicates a form of digital colonialism, restricting the Global South's ability to develop locally adapted, climate-resilient wheat varieties. The patent network reveals a concentration of power among key institutions, limiting access to essential technologies for wheat improvement and reinforcing the "Genome Editing Divide.