Economic Aspects Of Biotechnology

Both macro- and microeconomic aspects of biotechnology are discussed in this book for biologists studying microbiology, biochemistry and genetics. It explains economics and accounting procedures from first principles and assumes no prior knowledge of these areas. The author works on developing new biotechnological projects. He draws extensively on his own experience and brings together the factors which determine commercial reasoning towards biotechnology in areas such as markets, project selection, costing and capital investment. His subjects include market analysis, fermentation, enzyme technology, genetic engineering and many others; they are all tied together by a common framework of industrial and technological development.

Adding yet another dimension to the debate on biotechnology that already encompasses technology and ethics, four Canadian economists and a Welsh scholar of management look at how the field may bring about significant economic upheavals, focusing on the agrifood industrial complex and specifically avoiding any consideration of human medical and pharmaceutical aspects. The topics include intellectual property, the environment, consumer issues, who gets biotechnology rents, and international issues. c. Book News Inc.

Addresses the fact that ag. biotech. (AB) has been advancing very rapidly, and while it presents many promises, it also poses many questions. Many dimensions to AB need to be considered to adequately inform public policy. Policy is made more difficult by the fact that AB encompasses many policy issues addressed in very different ways. The report identifies several key areas -- ag. research policy, industry structure, production and marketing, consumer issues, and future world food demand -- where AB is dramatically affecting the public policy agenda. Focuses on the economic aspects of these issues and addresses some current and timely issues as well as longer term issues. Charts and tables.

This book was first published in 1992. This book deals with an area of great importance: the issues involved in developing biotechnologically based industries in the developing countries. The science and most of the techniques are well established and it is often possible to obtain the desired finance. This book, however, examines the sort of choices that a developing country has to make as to whether to go ahead with any of the projects outlined in the book and their likely socio-economic consequences. Each chapter is written by experts in their field and discusses the current biotechnologically based industries and their state of development, their suitability for various economies and the problems associated with developing them. Chapters discuss environmental questions and further socio-economic factors that need to be considered in order to bring about successful wealth creation in these countries. This book will be invaluable reading for all those interested in biotechnology and its application to the developing world.