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1975 meeting at the Asilomar Conference Center in California marked a turning point for recombinant DNA safety, but its impact was more nuanced than often acknowledged. The conference's principles were primarily designed with academic research in mind, leaving gaps that industry standards would later fill.

    MIT scholar Robin Scheffler notes that the Asilomar meeting sparked further debate rather than resolving the issue of genetic engineering safety. Industry standards emerged in the late 1970s, first in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where local politicians and citizens pushed for biotech firms to be responsible neighbors. In response, the city passed safety laws, which encouraged firms like Biogen to stay put.

    Regulations provided certainty that allowed biotech companies to grow and build, attracting lenders and real-estate developers who needed assurance of long-term investment in labs and facilities. This was a departure from conventional economic theory, which often views regulations as a hindrance to business growth.

    Scheffler's research highlights the significance of local regulations in shaping the biotechnology industry. The Cambridge example shows how safety concerns about recombinant DNA were eventually alleviated, and residents began to focus on environmental impacts rather than core work safety. Local laws applied not only to lab research but also to products, providing regulatory certainty that helped firms build production facilities.

    The Boston area's unique blend of intellectual capital, local regulations, and venture capital created a fertile ground for biotech startups. While some companies initially sought to avoid regulations by venue-shopping, the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council and real estate developers eventually advocated for safety standards.

    Scheffler's research reveals that the legacy of Asilomar extends beyond scientific principles to include public discussion, input, and regulation. The Cambridge episode demonstrates how local and regional regulation can reduce uncertainty for businesses and foster growth. This nuanced understanding challenges conventional views on the impact of scientists alone in shaping industry standards.