Title: Biotech revolution: the impact of biotechnology on the pharmaceutical industry

Authors: Jarunee Wonglimpiyarat

Addresses: National Science and Technology Development Agency, Ministry of Science and Technology, 111 Thailand Science Park, Paholyothin Rd., Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand

Abstract: This paper analyses the impact of biotechnology on the pharmaceutical industry based on Schumpeter|s concept of technological change. The economists have argued from different perspectives that the change in biotechnology is either revolutionary or evolutionary. The study attempts to structure the comparison of these conceptual differences in order to explain the generalisability of their studies with regard to the degree of technological change. Policy decisions, both at the firm level and the national level, would greatly benefit from a clearer understanding of the technological change in the pharmaceutical industry.

Keywords: technological change; biotech revolution; technoeconomic paradigm; revolutionary change; evolutionary change; biotechnology; pharmaceutical industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2008.017219

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2008 Vol.8 No.2, pp.182 - 193

Published online: 19 Feb 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article