Commercial biotechnology in Latin America: Current opportunities and challenges

Abstract

The unparalleled growth of commercial biotechnology in the USA and Europe during the past two decades has also been marked by its steady development in Latin America. Brazil, Cuba, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and others have made significant strides in building their research and production capacity in modern biotechnology. As these countries have pioneered new biotechnology applications in agriculture, mining, biofuels, human and animal healthcare a number have also launched national biotechnology plans with long-term investment commitments. Newly formed biotechnology trade associations in the region are expanding their membership and rapidly gaining international visibility. Along with the growth of commercial biotechnology in Latin America comes the need to address a series of issues associated with public perception, regulatory framework and intellectual property protection, financing mechanisms, workforce development and more. Government agencies and related public institutions are challenged to adjust their policies and operations to address these changing needs. The private sector and the international community at large will continue to play critical roles in the region through knowledge networks, technology exchanges and joint business investments.