This paper describes and assesses development of biotechnology in Japan as compared to similar activities in the United States. The paper focuses on seven primary issues. First, problems incurred in the development of this new industry are discussed. Second, the interests, assumptions, and actions of key individuals and organizations involved are addressed. Third, the focus shifts to ethical questions raised surrounding this issue. Fourth, discussion moves to how decisions have been made and should be made. Next, discussion addresses policies that have been made or should be made, followed by outcomes or probable outcomes of those policies. The final issue focuses on implications concerning how science influences policy and how policy influences science. These issues overlap and, thus, it is difficult to clearly define where one issue ends and another begins.
Contemporary biotechnology developed out of the scientific discoveries in genetic engineering in the early 1970s. Such discoveries opened up many opportunities for innovation but they had to be developed and translated into technological innovations. The exploitation of the new opportunities required the adoption of new research perspectives and the acquisition of new capabilities as well as the development and integration of knowledge and technologies.
The primary problem was the translation of scientific knowledge into technical know-how. The translation of scientific knowledge into technical know-how required more than the straightforward use of science for the identification and production of potentially lucrative new products. It also involved the adaptation of knowledge concerning business practices such as product design and testing, marketing, financial resources, and organizational problem solving. Translation of scientific knowledge into technical know-how was a major bottleneck which slowed down the evolution of biotechnology. The solution entaile...