Biotechnology Policies

Recognising that biotechnology was (and is) driven by fundamental research and discovery, the Directorate for Science, Technology and Industry (STI) has covered this sector since 1980 and continues to follow advances in basic research on biotechnology and its applications.

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OECD Expert Workshop on Knowledge Markets in Life Sciences

22-Oct-2008

The Biotechnology Division of the OECD organized an experts workshop on “Knowledge Markets in the Life Sciences” in Washington, DC on October 16-17, 2008.  Its purpose was to explore whether Knowledge Markets could be more broadly used and to identify what governments may need to do to help make such new markets become a reality. This workshop is the first policy meeting to consider what new exchange mechanisms improve access to and use of the vast amounts of data, knowledge and information created in the biomedical sciences. 

OECD Expert Workshop on Biomarkers and Targetted Therapies

22-Oct-2008

At a workshop organized by the OECD Biotechnology Division in October in the United Kingdom, experts discussed how to improve the development and use of biomarkers in health care.  Topics included:  data and knowledge sharing for biomarker research; the creation of an evidence base and the clinical evaluation of biomarkers; the regulatory and policy framework  for safe and efficient development of biomarkers; and business models for biomarker discovery, development and commercialization.

Genetics and Genomics

24-Oct-2008

The OECD Working Party on Biotechnology is developing Council Guidelines on human biobanks and genetic research databases (HBGRDs) through an expert group of member countries. The Guidelines are intended to assist both OECD and non-OECD governments in the development of policies applicable to HBGRDs and to provide guidance for private and public sector HBGRDs.

Biotechnology, Innovation and Health

24-Oct-2008

The links between innovation, productivity, health and wealth are recognised by many countries and the need to encourage innovation is also apparent.  Investing in and  encouraging innovation is a priority for many jurisdictions as is the affordability, quality  and sustainability of healthcare systems.

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