Technology futures analysis in the Indian biotechnology innovation system
| Date | 30 September 2014 |
| Pages | 294-303 |
| Published date | 30 September 2014 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-07-2014-0018 |
| Author | Pranav N. Desai |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management,Environmental technology & innovation |
Technology futures analysis
in the Indian biotechnology
innovation system
Pranav N. Desai
School of Social Sciences –I, Centre for Studies in Science Policy,
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
Abstract
Purpose –Technology foresight or technology futures analysis is increasingly being recognised as a
tool for planning sustainable development. Similarly, as argued by many, biotechnology could be
harnessed for sustainable development. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to map out foresight
activities in the Indian biotechnology innovation system.
Design/methodology/approach –The present paper has adopted a systemic approach to analyse
the foresight activities in the Indian biotechnology sector. An online Delphi survey, including
interviews, was conducted for 750 biotech units.
Findings –The greatest need of foresight is felt in the biopharma sector, especially in the small- and
medium-sized firms. The methodologies used are only pre-foresight in nature and for short-term time
horizons. The output preferred is “setting the R&D planning and priorities”.“Assessing socioeconomic
and environment impact”is not accorded a high priority. Most of the regulatory agencies do not carry
out foresight exercises.
Originality/value –The research holds significance for evolving sustainable development policy.
Keywords India, Sustainable development, Technology foresight, Innovation system,
Agribiotechnology, Biopharmaceuticals
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The present paper aims to map out foresight activities in the Indian biotechnology
innovation system. The Indian biotechnology sector has reached a cross-road at this
juncture. Hence, it will be crucial to analyse the innovation environment, as well as the
status of foresight activities in this sector. Some of the foresight issues confronting the
sector today are varied for different sub-sectors. Agribiotechnology has reached
saturation in investment and growth. New paths need to be charted out for further
growth. Biopharma is the most dominant segment and will continue to grow. However,
the vaccine industry and export market is fuelling the growth, and this requires high
standards of maintenance, quality of testing infrastructure and strict regulatory norms.
Second, most of the biotech-based drugs are expected to be out of the patent system by
2015. This phenomenon is likely to encourage resource shift towards improvement in
generic drugs and biosimilar compounds rather than focusing on new molecule s or
radical innovation. The sector of industrial biotech promises discoveries in biofuel,
water purification and enzymes. However, it has failed to attract gre ater FDI and public
awareness. In the recent period, the sequencer has witnessed a drastic cost reduction.
India has yet to take advantage of its human resource potential and to reduce the
costs of the sequencer. Bioinformatics is yet to achieve a significant share in the
industry. The nanotechnology mission has placed adequate emphasis on the health and
agricultural sector, however, the nanotech-based industry is still in a nascent stage for
innovative activity.
World Journal of Science, Technology
and Sustainable Development
Vol. 11 No. 4, 2014
pp. 294-303
© Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2042-5945
DOI 10.1108/WJSTSD-07-2014-0018
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5945.htm
294
WJSTSD
11,4
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