Stem cell innovation system in India: Emerging scenario and future challenges
| Pages | 1-23 |
| Date | 01 April 2011 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/20425945201100001 |
| Published date | 01 April 2011 |
| Author | Shashank Shekhar Tiwari,Pranav N. Desai |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management |
Copyright © 2011 WASD 1
1Institute for Science and Society, University of Nottingham, UK; e-mail: shashank17t@gmail.com;
2Centre for Studies in Science policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi – 110067 India email:
dpranav@hotmail.com
Stem Cell InnovatIon SyStem
In IndIa: emergIng SCenarIo
and Future ChallengeS
World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, Vol. 8, No. 1, 2011
Shashank Shekhar Tiwari1
University of Nottingham, UK
Pranav N. Desai2
Jawaharlal Nehru University, India
Abstract: The present paper is an attempt to explore the emerging stem cell innovation
system in India. It is contended that the social capital in terms of linkages of various
sorts can no longer be ignored to strengthen the innovation system and that the co-
evolution of technology and institutions is yet to emerge. It seems that given the nature
of complex technologies involved, there is a greater need felt for R&D and training col-
laboration and hence linkages of various types are taking place. For shaping futures for
a balanced growth of this sector, the institutions in India will have to be geared towards
greater coordination, promotion of greater knowledge flows at national as well interna-
tional levels. This paper also analyses the strengths and barriers in the development of
rapidly growing stem cell research in India along with future challenges.
Keywords: stem cell research; India; sectoral system of innovation; linkages.
IntroduCtIon
In recent years Stem cell has emerged as a
sector with potential to treat a wide range
of debilitating diseases and disability.
Stem cell innovations have become a ma-
jor focus not only for government policy
initiatives and investment but have also
heralded benefits for both health care
and biotechnology industries. Globally,
the stem cell industry is a billion dollar
market. The global market size for stem
cell therapy in 2006 was estimated to be
US $26 billion and is projected to reach
US $96 billion by 2015 (Business Stan-
dard, 2008) and consequently stem cell
S. S. Tiwari and P. N. Desai
2
scientific research into viable therapeutic
applications requires significant amount
of funding, human resources and infra-
structure. Simultaneously commercial-
ising of R&D requires rigorous clinical
testing and consumer demand.
Stem cell research does involve sev-
eral contentious issues posing challenges
of socioeconomic, political and ethical
in nature. The commercial path of stem
cells entails trust of international scien-
tific, industrial and financial communi-
ties. If trust disappears market vanishes
(Salter et al., 2007). It has become most
crucial after the South Korea’s Hwang
affairs. In this back drop, the present pa-
per has attempted to analyse the stem cell
sector in India using sectoral system of
innovation as an analytical framework.
The main thrust of this paper is to trace
out the linkages among different players
in Indian stem cell sector, along with an
overview of stem cell research in India.
The paper is divided into 6 sections.
Section 2 deals with the analytical frame
work. Section 3 discusses the structure of
stem cell research in India. Role of institu-
tions is highlighted in section 4. Section 5
explores the emerging scenario of stem cell
research in India, Finally, it is contended
that the social capital in terms of linkages
of various types can no longer be ignored to
strengthen the innovation system and that
the co-evolution of technology and institu-
tions is yet to emerge.
analytICal FrameWorK
The present study is carried out from
a perspective of the sectoral system of
research is becoming increasingly compet-
itive. Research in the United States, Eu-
ropean Union and Asia is moving apace
with increasing level of government sup-
port (UKSCI report, 2005). The stem cell
sector has witnessed a rapid growth world-
wide. This is reflected from the fact that
merely in a four-year period, the figure for
number of firms has increased from 33
(Laysaght and Hazlehurst, 2003) to 166
during 2002-06 (Martin et al., 2006).
Given the huge “disease burden”
(Darr et al., 2007; Reddy et al., 2005),
the need for cell therapy, diagnostics and
medicines, the claim of the stem cells
need to be exploited to the fullest. Coun-
tries across the world have evolved their
own policies to take advantage from the
stem cell development.
India has also taken significant steps
to establish an advantageous position in
global stem cell market. Indian stem cells
market is growing at a rate of 15 percent
per annum and is expected to hit US
$540 million by the year 2010 ( Express
Pharma, 2007). The government of India
is very much supportive of the stem cell
research, which is clear from the fact that
the government has invested US $500
million during the period 2004-2007.
The private players have not lagged be-
hind and have made significant invest-
ments (Express Pharma, 2007). Thus, it is
not surprising that India is projected as a
global player in this sector.
However, given the nature of stem
cell research that involves complex tech-
nologies also demands a commensu-
rate R&D support. Transforming basic
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