The lack of policy development reflects two things: synthetic biology is still very young, and it may still be too indistinct from genetic modification and recombinant DNA technology to warrant specific policy developments and interventions. Countries are taking different approaches to public funding of synthetic biology R and D. Educational initiatives are key to the future of the field, as the need for an interdisciplinary approach in higher education is a challenge to science education, owing to the need for sufficient depth and breadth in both the biological sciences and engineering. Public engagement to date has been limited and this requires serious consideration. A noticeable development is the spread of interest in competitions to countries outside of the United States. Some consider that the most pressing near-term need is to develop technology roadmaps for synthetic biology. There is even a feeling that a global roadmap might be enabling and a key element of policy. It is clear that a technology roadmap can also serve as a policy roadmap, with the inclusion of strategies for public engagement and educational priorities.