Biotechnology Policy Across National Boundaries: The Science-Industrial Complex

A globalization of innovation has produced the most massive spurt in biotechnology in world history. Businesses, universities, and non-governmental organizations are collaborating to produce a "science-industrial complex" in biotechnology. Using case studies of stem cell research, cloning, genetically modified food, in-vitro fertilization, and chimeras in a number of Eastern and Western countries around the world, I argue that much of this biotech activity is global in nature and independent of state control. This shift in the relative influence of state and non-state actors has led to the virtual deregulation of biotechnology and the liberation of innovation from geo-political constraints. These trends post a number of interesting social, political, and ethical issues for the contemporary period and suggest the need to rethink how controversial moral issues are handled by the science-industrial complex.

Darrell M. West is the John Hazen White Professor of Public Policy and Political Science and Director of the Taubman Center for Public Policy at Brown University. He is the author of 14 books on technology policy, mass media, and campaigns and elections. His most recent book is Digital Government: Technology and Public Sector Performance, published in 2005.