This volume, which describes the proceedings of a conference in Brussels in November 1985 organized by the European Economic Community Center for European Studies, is a survey of current approaches to commercial biotechnology. It also attempts to outline an action plan to improve European competitiveness.
At first sight the breadth of topics is impressive. On more detailed examination, however, the content, with few exceptions, is bland and uncritical. The need to define a clear strategy for the future of European biotechnology in the public and private sectors emerges as a common theme, but the message is not emphasized with sufficient clarity or forcefulness.
It is difficult to identify the intended readership. Scientists who have even a limited knowledge of biotechnology will find little that is novel in the chapters describing potential applications of biotechnology. The reader is merely provided with lengthy lists of how specific industries will be "revolutionized" by ...
