CID Archive: Events Archive: Past Seminars
Science, Technology and Innovation Seminar: Global Governance of Biotechnology (Spring 2001)
Convener:
Prof. Calestous Juma,
Professor of the Practice of International Development
Sponsor: The Science, Technology, and Innovation project at Harvard's Center for International Development
Time and place: From 31 January - 25 April 2001,
the Global Governance of Biotechnology Seminar met Wednesdays at 12:00 - 2:00 pm
in the Belfer Library, located on the third floor of the Belfer Center for
Science and International Affairs at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Description |
Audience | Background
| Topics | Expectations
This non-credit seminar provided an introduction to policy and institutional issues related to the introduction of biotechnology products into the global economy. While biotechnology is seen by some as an important source of economic productivity, others point to the potential risks that genetic engineering poses to human health and the environment. Divergent perceptions on these issues and lack of trust in regulatory institutions in some have resulted in major policy debates worldwide. This seminar examined the sources of these debates and identify options for policy and institutional adjustment. The seminar located the policy discourse on biotechnology in the broader framework of science, technology and innovation. The seminar involved readings for the core members as well as guest lectures.
The seminar was relevant to students and faculty interested in science and technology policy, international development, technology and law, and environmental policy. It will also be of interest to professional students working on legal and ethical issues. There will be limited enrollment of 15 participants selected by lottery.
Since their advent in the early 1970s, techniques for splicing and recombining genes have provided the basis for biotechnology's promise to transform economic systems in unprecedented ways. Advocates of biotechnology have argued for approaches that support its rapid deployment, while critics have opposed its use, citing moral, health, environmental and economic concerns. These concerns have led to restrictions on international trade in genetically modified organisms and threaten relations between nations. Governments around the world are reexamining their policies on human health, environment and economy in light of advances in molecular biology. These developments have also inspired considerable interest in public policy research on the role of biotechnology in the global economy.
Science, technology and globalization
Evolution of the biotechnology industry
Public perceptions of biotechnology
Intellectual property rights
Biotechnology and the environment
Safety of biotechnology products
Biotechnology and developing countries
Ethical considerations
Biotechnology and international trade
Biotechnology and social movements
Governance and institutional change
Expectations and Reading Material
Participants were expected to cover 80-100 pages of material before each class. In addition, participants were expected to inform themselves of the latest developments through the web.
There were formal lectures, and the sessions were conducted through guided
discussion. Members of the class were expected to participate actively and
were called upon to contribute, even if they had not asked to speak.
The material required for the seminar included books, journal articles,
regulatory material and judicial decisions.
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Copyright
© 2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College.
Last revised 10/31/2007