Title: The role of the domestic private sector in developing countries for addressing local health needs

Authors: Sarah E. Frew, Stephen M. Sammut, Winnie W. Siu, Abdallah S. Daar, Peter A. Singer

Addresses: Canadian Program on Genomics and Global Health, Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, 88 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L4, Canada. ' Canadian Program on Genomics and Global Health, Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, 88 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L4, Canada. ' Canadian Program on Genomics and Global Health, Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, 88 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L4, Canada. ' Canadian Program on Genomics and Global Health, Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, 88 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L4, Canada. ' Canadian Program on Genomics and Global Health, Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, 88 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L4, Canada

Abstract: Developing countries can benefit from conducting innovative research and development in science and technology prioritised to their own specific health and development needs. Here, the role of the domestic private sector in utilising its knowledge, expertise, resources and relationships is critical for translating R&D results into tangible health products and services for individuals. We have recently initiated a study to analyse how the domestic health biotechnology sectors of four developing countries – India, China, Brazil and South Africa – address local health needs. In this paper, we introduce the purpose, design and objectives of the study, describe our rationale for undertaking this research and present preliminary results from our analysis of health biotechnology firms in India.

Keywords: global health; private sector; development; developing countries; science and technology; S&T; innovation systems; local health needs; genomics; health biotechnology; India; China; Brazil; South Africa.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBT.2006.008966

International Journal of Biotechnology, 2006 Vol.8 No.1/2, pp.91 - 102

Published online: 09 Feb 2006 *

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