Title: Genetically modified seeds and the de-commodification of primary goods

Authors: Sebastián Sztulwark; Melisa Girard

Addresses: Institute of Industry (IDEI), National University of General Sarmiento, J.M. Gutiérrez 1150, Los Polvorines, (PC 1613), Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA (PC 1425), Argentina ' Institute of Industry (IDEI), National University of General Sarmiento, J.M. Gutiérrez 1150, Los Polvorines, (PC 1613), Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract: Primary goods have long been considered undifferentiated products that are subject to a low income elasticity of demand. This state of affairs is beginning to change, but the scale and nature of the process is still being debated. This study contributes to this debate by presenting a historical analysis of the innovation path that genetically modified seeds have been following at the global level. Our analysis reveals that the difficulties preventing the de-commodification process from moving forward do not lie at the technological level, where a series of highly significant product innovations have taken place. Instead, they centre on the great uncertainty generated by this radical innovation that implies new linkages between science and the market, in the context of an increasingly complex consumption pattern.

Keywords: genetically modified organisms; GMOs; de-commodification; structural change; product innovation; consumption patterns; product quality; biotechnology; primary goods; product differentiation; genetically modified seeds; GM seeds; radical innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBT.2016.077955

International Journal of Biotechnology, 2016 Vol.14 No.2, pp.132 - 150

Accepted: 20 May 2016
Published online: 23 Jul 2016 *

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