Biotechnology and the Consumer (Innbundet (stive permer))

This volume analytically explores consumer perspectives of biotechnology and the ability of the marketplace to address consumer needs and concerns regarding this frontier technology. This includes an examination of: how science-based industries with complex market transactions provide information and choice to consumers; how consumers' perspectives of risk and uncertainty extend beyond scientific assessments of risks and hence their market demand for new products; how consumers influence the economy and societal values by bringing to their purchasing decisions a broader range of ethical, social and environmental concerns; how consumers gain a greater understanding of the importance of consumer acceptance to the successful development of this technology by examining the linkages between capital markets and consumer perspectives; how companies compete and are structured in the marketplace and how their behavior impacts on consumer welfare; and mechanisms for consumer participation and consultation.The volume also examines various non-market mechanisms for promoting choice, regulating risks and consulting with the public on the social-ethical aspects raised by biotechnology.

Introduction; B.M. Knoppers, A.D. Mathios. Consumers and Biotechnology: A Synopsis of Survey and Focus Group Research; H. Sheehy, et al. Consumers' Decision-Making and Risk Perceptions Regarding Foods Produced with Biotechnology: J. Wohl. The Market for Credible Information in Biotechnology; E. Einsiedel. An Overview of Public Consultation Mechanisms Developed to Address the Ethical and Social Issues Raised by Biotechnology; T. Leroux, et al. The Commercialization of Human Genetics: A Discussion of Issues Relevant to the Canadian Consumer; T. Caulfield. International Comparisons of Biotechnology Policies; Zhiqi Chen, A. McDermott. An Information-Based Approach to Labeling Biotechnology; G.K. Hadfield, D. Thomson. Economic Perspectives on the Dissemination of Science-Based Information to Consumers; A.D. Mathios. Using Advertising to Generate Information and Signals for Product Quality Lessons for Biotechnology Markets in Canada from Pharmaceutical Markets in the United States; A.N. Kleit. Biotechnology and the Media; S. Strauss. The Federal Biotechnology Regulatory System: A Commentary on an Institutional Work in Progress; G.B. Doern, H. Sheehy. The Industrial Economics of Biotechnology; C. Green. Biotechnological Innovation and Industrial Performance; C. Crampes, A. Hollander. Consumer Controversy and the Funding of Biotechnology Research; J.G. MacIntosh, D. Cumming. Appendix A: Integration Document. Biotechnology, the Consumer, and the Canadian Marketplace; M. Legault, et al. Appendix B: Rapporteur's Remarks. Symposium on Biotechnology and the Consumer; B. Purchase.