Overview and literature review : opportunities to commercialize life science technology in Southeast Asia

Based on a literature review, this paper explores the potential for expanding the commercial application of LST"s in developing countries, with a focus on activities in crop improvement, pest management, bioconversion of plant material, microbial fermentation and immobilized enzyme technology, human and animal health care, algae culture, and aquaculture. The degree to which each of these technologies has penetrated the private sector in the Third World is discussed, and a list of unmet needs and suggestions for future action is provided. The paper finds that while significant headway is being made in the commercialization of agricultural plant improvement, bioconversion, and aquaculture technologies, LST adoption in the private sector is often hampered by lack of expertise and capital, inadequate infrastructure, and poor market access. Commercialization of these technologies, it is concluded, can best be encouraged by supporting effective international and national research programs. Appendices include 11 pages of references, definitions of LST"s, and examples of specific biotechnology research being conducted in developing countries.