Rhinard, Mark --- "Informal governance and biotechnology" [2004] ELECD 30; in Christiansen, Thomas; Piattoni, Simona (eds), "Informal Governance in the European Union" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2004)

Book Title: Informal Governance in the European Union

Editor(s): Christiansen, Thomas; Piattoni, Simona

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781843763512

Section: Chapter 8

Section Title: Informal governance and biotechnology

Author(s): Rhinard, Mark

Number of pages: 21

Extract:

8. Informal governance and
biotechnology
Mark Rhinard

INTRODUCTION
The regulation of biotechnology is an explosive issue in politics today. A
number of voices, ranging from environmental groups and religious organiza-
tions to political parties and industrial coalitions, have joined the debate,
adding to a growing cacophony of conflicting opinions. These interests have
competing answers to a central policy question: to what extent should govern-
ment regulate the process of biotechnology, defined as the manipulation of
genetic material to produce novel plants, foods, medicines and a wide range of
other products? The debate surrounding biotechnology is so loud because the
stakes are so high. Industry stands to gain from sales of new products, effi-
ciency gains in production, and increased investment from enthusiastic share-
holders in a world market that topped $100 billion in 2000. Scientists
recognize the technological breakthrough represented by biotechnology and
emphasize its ability to `jump start' further discovery. Environmentalists argue
that no less than the ecological sustainability of our planet is at stake, and are
generally unwilling to tolerate the perceived health and ecological risks in
return for the promised benefits of biotechnology. Demands from these inter-
ests are directed squarely at governments which, for the most part, have failed
to ameliorate the growing conflict.
The upheaval over biotechnology in Western Europe is not new. It
reflects a debate that started over 20 years ago, one that animated an early
struggle within the European Union policy process. As early as 1978, the
EU began formulating legislation to ...