Biotechnology in Egypt

Research Paper # 59567

Agricultural Studies > Biotechnology
Economics > International
Economics > National

The paper examines how biotechnology can aid developing countries, with a focus on Egypt. Paper has a 5.5 page outline not included in word count.

3,377 words () | 16 sources | MLA | 2005

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that, due to Egypt's need for export earnings, its ever-increasing population, and its expertise in agriculture, the country should further invest in research and development, with an emphasis on R&D that leads to producing genetically modified crops. It explains that, despite Egypt's having limited financial resources, increased investment in biotechnological research and development will not be a waste of these resources, as the return on that investment will be substantial.

From the Paper:

"Innovation is the ability to manage knowledge, as embodied in technology, in a creative way" ("United Nations"). The terms technology, knowledge and innovation are interrelated. Technological discoveries are derived from knowledge and result in innovation which then exploited to increase productivity and enhance competitiveness in the global market. Among the more significant innovations derived from knowledge, produced by research and technology, is the field of biotechnology. David R. Walwyn, a BSc chemical engineering, who has participated in several biotechnology policies and strategy initiatives, defines biotechnology in his book Biotechnologies, as "a body of techniques that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use." Biotechnology contributes to several life sectors, including health, food, water treatment and agriculture. Agricultural biotechnology, nowadays, is adopted in the majority of countries, particularly developing ones, due to its ability to produce transgenic seeds with modified traits that are resistant to viruses, insects, drought and salinity. Edgar J. DaSilva, Elias Baydon, a professor of Biology in American University in Beirut, and Adnan Badran, president of Philadelphia University in Jordan, stress the significance of biotechnology to developing countries in the Electronic Journal of Biotechnology. As they write, "biotechnology has become a source of economic development and social progress."