From molecular biology to biotechnology: the role of markets and institutions in the Brazilian scenario

RESUMO

Biotechnology owes a great deal to molecular biology. Even so, scientific discoveries are just a partial, although very important, component of modern biotechnology. To generate products and processes basic research needs integration with other fields, like process technologies, which are essential for large-scale production, or plant and animal breeding for dissemination of valuable genes identified through molecular markers. Moreover, several different agents must interact for the transformation of science into technological innovation research centers, companies, government departments, financing organizations. The demand for biotechnologies in Brazilian agriculture serves here as a "case study". Technological trajectories and opportunities for inverstment are identifield in segments where biotechnology is relevant for competitiveness. The country's institutional framework for supporting research and development (R&D) activites related to commercial biotechnology is analyzed focusing the PADCT experience.