Title: Biotechnology in New Zealand: its origins, present state and future directions

Authors: Romuald E.J. Rudzki

Addresses: Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract: This introductory paper describes the growth of biotechnology within New Zealand: from its origins in the agricultural sector to its present state of development with the role of public sector entrepreneurship being essential to this growth. The paper also describes future government strategy for the sector, together with opportunities and constraints revealed by various studies. Details are provided on the number of organisations, the types of biotechnology they are engaged in and the areas in which New Zealand has a global lead. The major areas of biotechnology research are identified as being in dairy cattle and milk products, pasture grasses, apples, kiwifruit, wool, sheep skin, sheep genetics, forestry, niche areas of human healthcare and computer-based epidemiological modelling.

Keywords: New Zealand; biotechnology; entrepreneurship; bioentrepreneurship; history; future; Crown Research Institutes; CRIs; New Zealand; public sector; government strategy; government policy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBT.2006.009296

International Journal of Biotechnology, 2006 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.285 - 303

Published online: 15 Mar 2006 *

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