Title: Biotechnology in the global economy

Authors: Calestous Juma

Addresses: Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 79 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

Abstract: Agricultural biotechnology is the subject of extensive public debates in many countries. This article summarises the results of the International Conference on Biotechnology in the Global Economy held in September 1999 at Harvard University. The article shows that many of the debates are a result of a governance challenge involving the need to bring social institutions in line with advances in biotechnology. It proposes a set of measures for doing so. These include promoting consultative processes; undertaking scientific and technical assessments; conducting research and training; reforming national and regional policies and institutions; harmonising standards and sharing experiences; and facilitating technological cooperation with developing countries.

Keywords: biosafety; bioprospecting; biotechnology; ethics; genetically modified organisms (GMOs); globalisation; human health; intellectual property rights; international trade; public participation; scientific assessments; technological cooperation; governance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBT.2000.000128

International Journal of Biotechnology, 2000 Vol.2 No.1/2/3, pp.1-6

Published online: 13 Jul 2003 *

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