Roadmap points the way ahead for biotechnology
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| Biotech - research goes on |
Paris, 20 July 2001 - Biotechnology - the word conveys a glittering vision of the future, of new cures for intractable diseases, of widened scope to feed the world's population, of new ways to protect the environment. .
But this burgeoning industry also suggests the unknown and untried, raises apprehensions and misunderstandings. Governments and businesses alike must shortly make important decisions about the rules and conditions necessary for the development of an industry full of promise.
Business experts serving on ICC commissions covering environment, trade and investment, intellectual property and marketing have combined to draw up a Global Roadmap for Modern Biotechnology. The roadmap contrasts business and government positions on all the basic issues under debate, including promoting innovation, building consumer trust and health and environmental issues.
This in-depth study articulates business and government views clearly and concisely and pinpoints areas of controversy as crucial decisions are taken. Because of its unique position as the world business organization, ICC, to a degree no other organization can match, can be an effective catalyst for informed and enlightened decision-making.
As a contribution to the debate, ICC is now posting the roadmap on its web site. It is intended to be a living document, that will evolve as policies and technologies develop. The ICC Communications Department will highlight additions and modifications in news stories on the home page as they are made.
The roadmap focuses on five topic areas for establishing a constructive dialogue that ICC considers to be critical to the progress of the biotechnology industry:
¢â‚¬¢ Promoting innovation in modern biotechnology
¢â‚¬¢ Realising its economic, social and product benefits
¢â‚¬¢ Building trust for users and consumers
¢â‚¬¢ Exploring associated health and environmental issues - including potential risks and tools for risk management
¢â‚¬¢ Developing the benefits of biotechnology through sound trade, competition and intellectual property policies.
Global Roadmap for Modern Biotechnology. (full text)
TRIPS and the Biodiversity Convention: what conflict?
28 June 1999
French version