Strategic Issues in Biotechnology: A Managerial Analysis of Emerging GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) Technology

Biotechnology is a collective term for a group of technologies that use biological matter or processes to generate new and useful products and processes. It has advanced to a level where it is possible to make particular changes to the genetic code of living organisms. The products of this technology, called Genetic Engineering, are called genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The alterations to the structure and/or function of biological entities have the potential to alter the basis of many biologically based activities, including agriculture and aquaculture, medicine, hygiene and health, food production and processing, biochemical production, pest control, etc. Biotechnology has an immense range of applications that could be used for good purposes. On the other hand, the potential for altering the genetic structure and characteristics of living organisms, including humans, plants and animals, has resulted in many concerns about safety and ethical implications of the new technologies. So far, most of the safety issues have emerged from agricultural biotechnology. This project aims to summarize current and proposed GMO activities, address the strategic issues and make suggestions on how to manage emerging GMO Technologies from the perspective of Biotechnology companies