Opportunities and Challenges in Socially Inclusive Innovation: The Case of Genetically Modified Corn in the Philippines

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the opportunities and challenges for modern biotechnology, particularly Genetically Modified (GM) corn, in addressing social inclusion to ensure its equitable outcomes or impacts. It examines the policy environment in which GM corn was introduced and the related socioeconomic concerns. The study reveals that in the Philippines there is no institutionalized mechanism yet to determine if GM corn promotion policies and strategies conform to the social inclusion context of biotechnology. Governance of the GM technology and the interplay of the innovation system intermediaries hindered the full realization and application of social inclusion principles. Interventions to monitor socio-economic impact, knowledge transfer and interaction, and credit support delivery are needed for a more socially inclusive innovation. There should be a continuous interactive learning among various stakeholders to have evidence-based information on the technology.