Open Source Biotechnology

Lately, there has been a lot in the press about open source software as there is a faction of folks who believe that most software should be open and available to whomever wishes to make improvements on it. But in recent weeks, "open source" biotechnology has been sending a buzz through laboratories.

Most recently, a group in Australia made headway in creating a method of making bioengineered crops that supposedly does not infringe on any existing patent rights. Even more, that group wants to make the technology available to anyone so long as they make any improvements available to others.

This is a rather interesting manifestation of the "open source" concept. Will it work? Who knows. There are numerous organizations, such as the Gates Foundation, WHO and others who may wish to seize upon the technology, promise emerging companies that they will purchase seeds for crops that are needed in third world countries at a reasonable rate, and give some company an incentive to further develop the technology. Would the margins be high enough so that once the company worked out the inefficiencies mentioned in the above article, that it would work? Remains to be seen (the article doesn't contain a lot of detail about what the drawbacks are to the technology at the moment). Could the technology even be improved without infringing on another company's patent or other IP rights?

It would be great if this resulted in crops that could really help the third world. I don't see open source biotech really taking off, unless they are able to create a decent model with this technology that would allow non-profits or for-profits to make a decent profit margin.

Comments

[Norman muzhinji]

Ope source concept is a good idea easpecially forb us developing nations who are spending alot of money demanding royalties and interlectual property rigts from developed nations who are patenting their inovations.The open source concept will definately work but of course with laid down regulation from the innovator because many novel products , processes can be established from yhe existin methodologies

Norma muzhinji
BSc Hos (nUST)currently studying for a Masters degree in Biotechnology at the university of Zimbabwe

[mqondisi tshabalala]

In a way the concept asserts development in science.Imagine what kind of development would have resulted if Isaac Newton, Watson and Crick had to restrict or keep secrete their discoveries?-to name only a few.It partly restricts competetiveness in research as there are no financial gains or prestige associated with novel discoveries.As a result the concept has its prons and cons depending on the class of people it targets.

Tshabalala M
BSc Hons (University of Zimbabwe)
MSc Biotechnology University of Zimbabwe-current studies

[pacho nato]

normara talk to me pliz