Regulation of biotechnologies in LDCs : implications for technology development and transfer

Abstract

The diffusion of biotechnology in most countries of the developing world is likely to take the form of embedded technologies (transgenic seed). In some countries with an incipient science and technology capacity diffusion is likely to take place via technological spin-offs and the commercial activities of multinational enterprises. Although regulation plays a critical role in technology transfer, there is lack of capacity to exercise regulatory oversight effectively. The result of this is likely to be loss of public confidence in the technology with consequent implications for technology transfer.