Biotechnology along with the other core technology viz. Information Technology, is at the heart of technology revolution in Asia. Asian countries have adopted strategies for harnessing the potential of biotechnology for their industrial Development. The areas of applications both in pharmaceutical and agriculture sector have widened, finding new vistas of economic growth. Policy challenges, however, are arising among others, concerning trade in GMOs, impact of genetic engineering on environment and human health, biosafety management, and ethical aspects that are yet to be addressed at any collective forum in Asia. One of the missing links is a dialogue between natural and social scientists so as to identify socio-economic requirements and policy priorities in the realm of biotechnology and development in the region. This book brings together perceptions on some of these issues by eminent experts from the Asian region. As a sequel to the pioneering ""Biotechnology Revolution and the Third World: Challenges and Policy Options"" (RIS 1988), this volume draws lessons from the experiences of Asian developing countries and revisits some of the concerns raised earlier.
