In the early 1970s the demonstration of recombinant DNA offered new possibilities for making drugs and other products. Entrepreneurs in the US responded almost immediately, forming dedicated companies to commercialize the new technology. Prospective Japanese entrepreneurs, however, faced imposing regulatory hurdles and a drug pricing system that
deterred entry into pharmaceutical applications. Consequently, US entrepreneurs raced ahead, establishing a lead that Japan has never been able to fully close. This comparative study looks at the early development of biotechnology in the US and Japan. Drawing on primary and secondary sources it traces the historical roots of recombinant DNA technology, discusses the tensions between regulation and promotional policies and identifies the major actors and strategies that launched biotechnology in both countries. Developing several strands of theory in economic history, science and technology policy, the book proposes a simple model that relates the differences in the two countries' response to variations in the availability of institutional, financial and organizational resources needed to commercialize the new technology. Written in an accessible style, The Race to Commercialize Biotechnology is designed for those with research interests in Asian Studies, Public Policy and Comparative Politics as well as Science and Technology.
By:
Steven Collins
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
Spine: 17mm
Weight: 540g
ISBN: 9780415283397
ISBN 10: 0415283396
Series: Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese Studies
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 25 March 2004
Audience:
College/higher education
,
General/trade
,
Primary
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Chapter 1: Introduction 1. The Approach 2. National Innovation Systems and Biotechnology 3. The Market for Biotechnology 4. Products 5. A Road Map 6. References Chapter 2: Firms, Technological Regimes, and National Innovation Systems 1. Introduction 2. The Firm as Innovator 3. Technological Regimes and Trajectories 4. Biotechnology and the National Innovation System 5. Putting it all Together 6. References Chapter 3: Biotechnology and National Innovation Systems in the US and Japan 1. Industry 2. Research Infrastructure 3. Public Policy 4. Conclusions 5. References Chapter 4: The Emergence of Commercial Biotechnology in the US 1. Introduction 2. Institutional Formation and Knowledge Creation 3. Knowledge Enhancement (1976-1983) 4. Commercial Take-Off (1983-1900s) 5. Conclusions 6. References Chapter 5: The Emergence of Commercial Biotechnology 1. Introduction 2. The Origins of Japan's Bioindustry 3. Biotechnology Fever hits Japan 4. From Bio-Boom to Bio-Reality: Alliances Strategies and the Shift from Basic Research (1985-Present) 5. Conclusions 6. Endnotes Chapter 6: Conclusions 1. Summary 2. Biotechnology in the US and Japan 3. Concluding Thoughts References
Steven W. Collins is Associate Professor in the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program at the University of Washington.
