Entrepreneurial Approach to Biotechnology Policies and Development in India

Introduction

In recent years new technologies have emerged propelling further the progress of industries in the developed countries. Biotechnology is identified as one of that cluster which plays a leading role (Colombo, 1991). With biotechnology, low volume high cost new products, clean and faster bioprocesses and environmental services are promised. Because of its bright application potentials and because of its intense advertisement, biotechnology is the topic of the day discussion, not only in the developed countries, but also in the developing countries. Asian region in general and India in particular is not exempted from such an enthusiasm. So then what is biotechnology? It is a field of study that seeks to generate new products and processes using the concepts and methods of modern biology. It blends the principles and practices of biochemistry, genetics, and microbiology. Although the roots of this technology are ancient and have been employed in fermentation processes for hundreds of years, “biotechnology” as a new science was rejuvenated by developments in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and cell chemistry. Over the past 15 years, biotechnology has provided opportunities to create and support many new industries. Now these bio industries are beginning to be highly profitable. For developing countries, the promise of biotechnology is particularly strong. Biotechnology promises many positive benefits (Bruche, 2012). Among the projected positive outcomes of advances in biotechnology are:

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  Biotechnology will be able to complement better conventional technologies.

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  Improved nutrition brought about by increases in farming and agro-industrial production, and the use of fermentation techniques in food processing.

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  Better integration of food production with the production and consumption of bioenergy, especially in small rural communities.

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  Improved production of livestock, and better health of domestic animals.

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  Improved diagnosis and prevention of human diseases, as well as improvements in public health.

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  Increases in income and employment opportunities.

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  Improve pollution control.

Thus, all these factors will have far-reaching consequences. Hence, through in depth analysis based on published reports and secondary data with grounded theory approach the chapter aims not only to trace the development of biotechnology and reviews polices but also to elucidate through cases the entrepreneurial approach adopted for biotechnology development in India.

Background

Every year the World Resource Institute, together with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), produces a publication on world resources. The most recent figures make it clear that the world's population continues to grow at an alarming rate. Two-thirds of this growth is in the developing world. In India alone, the population increases by 69,000 each day. Increases of this magnitude place great pressures on governments to find innovative ways to provide food, health, shelter, and jobs for their citizens (Baporikar, 2014a). Food production in developing countries has increased remarkably during the past two decades. This success was achieved, in large part, through the application of fertilizers and pesticides as well as the planting of high-yielding crop varieties. Moreover, arable land was available to expand the area under cultivation. Yet, food production faces ever-increasing challenges created by increasing populations (Swaminathan, 1991). Under present agricultural practices, there are signs that production of high-yielding varieties is beginning to level off. Arable land can no longer be found easily in most developing countries and this is forcing farmers onto marginal land. Meanwhile, excessive applications of fertilizers and pesticides degrade the environment. These challenges require new approaches (Banerjee & Duflo 2011).