This book investigates the complex interplay between economic forces and societal impacts within the rapidly evolving field of biotechnology. It synthesizes economic, social, and statistical perspectives from leading institutions to explore the costs, benefits, and challenges inherent in biodiversity, biopharmaceuticals, and bioinformatics. The work aims to develop meaningful indicators for science, technology, and innovation, offering insights into the inner workings of innovation systems and knowledge diffusion in a technology-intensive economy.

This collection of essays, a collaborative effort between Statistics Canada and prominent research institutions, offers a multifaceted view of biotechnology's economic and social dimensions. The work is structured to provide a comprehensive overview of the field's expansion, addressing both its advantages and its inherent difficulties. It aims to contribute to the development of robust indicators for tracking progress in science, technology, and innovation within a dynamic economic landscape. The book's focus on the mechanics of innovation systems suggests a detailed examination of how knowledge is created, disseminated, and utilized in this critical sector.