Innovation and commercialisation in the stem cell industries in Australia: State strategies and other opportunities to build a competitive position in the global stem cell economy

摘要

Recent research in the social studies of stem cell science has demonstratedthat there is (a) a significant global economy emerging around stem cell science, and (b) thatindividual states are competing fiercely in an effort to obtain leadership in this global stemcell economy. Over the last several years, the governments of the United Kingdom, China,India, Canada, Singapore and Australia (among others), have been attempting to leveragethe process of innovation in stem cell science by implementing a variety of strategies including,but not limited to: dedicated funding programmes, the introduction of specific licensingsystems, the implementation of new regulations for human cell-based material, emulatingUS-based venture capital, and encouraging entrepreneurship and spin-off developments.What remains to be seen though, is how effective such attempts actually will be in encouragingthe commercial development of nationally oriented stem cell industries. Given that therelationship between innovation and commercialisation is unique to national and regionalcontexts, as well as unique to specific industries, this article discusses the specific strategiesadopted in developing the stem cell industries in Australia and highlights some of the prosand cons with a government interventionist approach to developing global economicadvantage from national and regional innovation.