Commercial applications of biotechnology in agriculture
1990
Hall, P.C. (Resource Development Foundation (USA))
The Resources Development Foundation (RDF) is a private, non-profit organization based in the U.S. and supporting life science technology transfer and the pre-investment costs, associated with business development in developing countries. Its primary activities involve facilitating the development of life science-based enterprises in Southeast Asia. It is believed that the application of appropriate life science technology can enhance the comparative advantage of enterprises in these countries involved in tropical and labor-intensive agriculture. RDF is investigating life science R and D in ASEAN member countries with commercial potential in the agribusiness sector. Of primary interest are proven technologies that are ready to be translated into commercial reality. RDF has identified a number of promising R and D projects involving agricultural crop improvement, algae culture, aquaculture, bioconversion, integrated pest management and soil microbiology, with significant near-term potential in the production of value-added products for sale by indigenous firms. A number of projects involving emerging biotechnologies with long-term potential have also been identified in these countries. One of these projects involves recombinant cyanabacteria expressing BT toxin for bio-control of mosquitoes. In all of these cases, private sector parties have been identified that wish to exploit the technology. However, in most instances, considerable development and adaptation, technology scale-up and business plan development is required before a new venture opportunity will emerge. There are currently no effective vehicles in place of bridging this crucial gap between initial technology development and successful commercialization. RDF will present its findings on how this gap can be closed.
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