Title: Long-term prospects and implications of biotechnology for Europe: Strategic challenge and response

Authors: Mark F. Cantley

Addresses: Concertation Unit for Biotechnology in Europe, Directorate-General XII, Science, Research and Development, Commission of the European Communities

Abstract: To gain the full benefits offered by recent rapid developments in biotechnology, Europe must deploy her technical resources to maximum effectiveness. Inadequate strategic management – rather than research or limitations on technological forecasting – represents the major obstacle preventing Europe from taking advantage of the opportunities biotechnology presents. European governments have been slow to recognise the industrial potential of biotechnological innovation. Recent initiatives of the Commission of the European Communities in establishing the FAST programme and the creation of the Concertation Unit for Biotechnology in Europe (CUBE) demonstrate a desire on the part of the Community to bring greater coherence and strategic rationality into its R&D policy. But strategic management continues to be hampered by the communication gap that exists between science and politics – a gap that is in danger of widening as technological change outpaces the capacity of political decision-making machinery to adapt.

Keywords: biotechnology; EEC policy; strategic management; innovation; FAST programme; R&D policy; research and development; Europe; technological change; political decision making.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1986.026107

International Journal of Technology Management, 1986 Vol.1 No.1/2, pp.209 - 229

Published online: 27 May 2009 *

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