The Economics Of Managing Biotechnologies

The advent of new biotechnologies implies significant changes in the world, both biologically and industrially. Biologically, these new technologies represent changes on a scale never before witnessed in the context of evolutionary systems. How these systems will respond to these changes is uncertain and potentially very significant. The first part of this volume addresses these issues in a series of chapters considering the manner in which societies might analyse and manage these systemic responses to biotechnological changes. The second part of the volume addresses the industrial issues concerning biotechnologies. One of the primary motivations for these changes is to enhance the appropriability of the value of innovation occurring within the life sciences sectors. Changing to a property rights-based system of biotechnology has implications for the nature of research and development within these sectors, and the diffusion and distribution of its benefits across the globe. Another set of chapters in this volume sets out a framework for considering these important industrial issues. The volume is the outcome of a two-year project on the economics of managing biotechnologies in agriculture. It is recommended to academics and policy makers interested in the issues concerning society's options in the management of this process of technological change.

'The book does an excellent job at addressing all three levels from an efficiency and equity point of view . . . Readers with a background in biotechnology but less knowledge in economics will find it very useful, as well as economists who are interested in the key economic issues of biotechnology . . . I agree with the publisher that the addressed audience will welcome and like the book, and I can highly recommend it.' - Justus Wesseler, European Review of Agricultural Economics 'The book is an absorbing one . . . will give insight on business of biotechnology and related issues, such as ethical issues, IPR etc and to economist and market researchers with specified interest in biotechnology. This could be also useful for international policymakers/planners and economic commentators.' - Ashok Pandey, Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research The Economics of Biotechnology is a highly accessible book dealing with some of the most crucial issues to arise in this area. Special attention is paid to consumer, ethical and environmental concerns as well as questions relating to trade policy, intellectual property, who will receive the benefits, international development and the role of international institutions such as the WTO. The authors examine concerns arising from the application of biotechnology in the agri-food industrial complex, and many of the issues discussed also have implications for the medical and pharmaceutical aspects of biotechnology.

This book presents the first thorough economic analysis of current agricultural biotechnology regulation. The contributors, most of whom are agricultural economists working either in universities or NGOs, address issues such as commercial pesticides, the costs of approving new products, liability, benefits, consumer acceptance, regulation and its impacts, transgenic crops, social welfare implications, and biosafety.

A highly ambitious work, this book attempts to examine modern biotechnology as an economic process and, in so doing, draws heavily upon the conceptual framework of evolutionary economics and the literature on industrial management. The empirical focus is on the present-day European scene.

The 'bioeconomy' is the idea of an economy based on the sustainable exploitation of biological resources. Within this concept, there is increasing emphasis on issues such as climate change, depletion of natural resources and growing world food needs. The bioeconomy builds on the recognition of advances in technology, particularly in the life sciences, but at the same time covers issues such as innovation management, ecosystem services, development and governance. This book explores the development of the bioeconomy across the world from an economic and policy perspective, as well as identifying potential future pathways and issues. It uses a broad definition, covering all sectors using biological resources except health, and rather than focusing on individual sectors, it explores the breadth of interconnections that make the bioeconomy a new and challenging subject. Divided into two parts, the book initially outlines the current definitions, strategies, policy and economic information related to the world's bioeconomy. The second part describes current economic analysis and research efforts in qualifying and understanding the economics of the bioeconomy. This includes the contributions of technology, research and innovation; driving forces and demand-side economics; supply-side economics, and the role of markets and public policy in matching demand and supply. The political economy, regulation and transitions are considered, as well as the contribution of the bioeconomy to society, including growth, development and sustainability. Key features include: - An analysis of varied international approaches to the bioeconomy. - A joint consideration of biotechnology, agriculture, food energy and bio-materials. - An assessment of sustainability in the bioeconomy. - A comprehensive view of the issues from an economic and policy perspective. This book will be of interest to students and researchers in agricultural and natural resource economics, agricultural and environmental policy, as well as policy-makers, practitioners and economists.

From a managerial perspective, the biopharmaceutical industry represents a competitive, fast-changing, intellectually-powered, innovation-driven sector. Many management scholars have studied this discontinuous era to make sense of strategic behavior and the cognition of firms and top managers. A past look at the biopharmaceutical industry provides answers to questions that most managers have. For example, what options do you have and what actions do you take when new firms enter your industry? In the 1970s, new biotechnology firms, funded by venture capitalists, appeared in the pharmaceutical industry with new knowledge. Successful pharmaceutical firms decided to collaborate with the new entrants and forge relationships to develop and create new, biotechnology engineered drugs. Thus, the addition of new biotechnology firms ushered in a new business model based on strategic alliances. Strategic alliances have now become an industrial norm called open innovation. The author looks at the historical path of the biopharmaceutical industry, particularly in the United States. While the pharmaceutical industry’s main contributions to society are substantial, there are pressing challenges the industry must face, such as an increase in infectious disease outbreaks or the global aging population, which require new types of care, additionally, mental health care and prescription painkiller addiction are persistent issues with economic repercussions to both federal and local governments. This book presents a holistic view of the biopharmaceutical industry, putting it in a historical context. It will best serve those who are eager to learn about this dynamic, fast-evolving industry and who would like to tackle current biopharmaceutical industry issues in the United States and be prepared for future industry challenges.

This volume summarizes the current state of knowledge in the economic literature of management of agricultural biotechnology and biodiversity in agricultural and economic development. It identifies key issues confronting policy makers in managing biodiversity and biotechnology and provides a broad, multi-disciplinary analysis of the linkage between the two. It is especially innovative in its use of plant genetic resource management as the basis for is analysis.