Frames and comparators: How might a debate on synthetic biology evolve?

► Upstream public engagement in synthetic biology is advocated with different rationales in mind. ► A debate on novel technology needs a comparator to provide a perspective. ► Subject to the comparator, different frames govern a debate and influence the outcome. ► For synthetic biology, comparators are bio-, nano- and information technology. ► Choosing the comparator not only implies procedural but normative choices.