Biotechnology has become one of the most important issues in public policy and governance, altering the boundaries between the public and the private, the economic and the social, and further complicating the divide between what is scientifically possible and ethically preferred. Given the importance of biotechnology in shaping relations between the state, science, the economy, and the citizenry, a book that explores the Canadian biotechnology regime and its place in our democracy is timelier than ever.
Three Bio-Realms provides the first integrated examination of the thirty-year story of the democratic governance of biotechnology in Canada. G. Bruce Doern and Michael J. Prince, two recognized specialists in governance innovation and social policy, look at particular ‘network-based’ factors that seek to promote and to regulate biotechnology inside the state as well as at broader levels. Unmatched by any other book in its historical scope and range, Three Bio-Realms is sure to be read for years to come.
Preface
Abbreviations
List of Tables
INTRODUCTION: THREE REALMS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Purposes and Contribution
The Three Bio-Realms and Related Products and Processes
Main Arguments
Foundational Concepts and Analytical Framework
Structure of the Book
PART I: ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK AND HISTORICAL POLICY CONTEXT
CHAPTER 1- THE STATE, NETWORKED DEMOCRACY AND SCIENCE-BASED GOVERNANCE
Introduction
Conceptual Foundations
The Analytical Framework: Three Core Elements
Conclusions
CHAPTER 2- NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY POLICY IN LIBERAL AND CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT ERAS
Introduction
Biotech Policy in the Trudeau and Mulroney Eras: Early Support and Major Trade and Patent Policy Impacts
Biotech Policy in the Chretien Liberal Era: Towards Better Balance amidst Extended Trade and Precautionary Norms
Biotech Policy in the Chretien, Martin and Harper Eras Since 2000:
Towards a Genome-Centred Bio-Economy?
The Core Politics Underlying International Biotech Policy
Conclusions
PART II: EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CHANGING BIOTECH-GOVERNANCE REGIME
CHAPTER 3: SCIENCE AND SUPPORTIVE GOVERNANCE
Introduction
Federal and Related Biotech Research Agencies: Networked Governance, Support and Research Conduct
Biotech Policy and Advisory Bodies and Arenas of Partial Support, Debate, Criticism and Engagement
Biotech Policy and the Search for Technology Assessment Arenas
Conclusions
CHAPTER 4 - THE BIO-FOOD REALM: BUSINESS DOMINATED PLURALISTC POWER
Introduction
Bio-Food Regulation Making: Initial Design and Congealment under Institutionalized Pluralistic Power
Pre-Market Bio-Food Product Assessment and Approvals under Novel Food Concepts and Regulations
Product Regulation on Research on Plants with Novel Traits (PNT) and Potential Unconfined Environmental Release
Bio-Food Post Market Regulatory Monitoring
Conclusions
CHAPTER 5- THE BIO-HEALTH REALM: NETWORKED POWER AND GOVERANCE
Introduction
Changing Bio-Health Regulation and Related Policy Development
Pre-Market Assessment and Approvals of Biologics and Genetic Therapies
Post Market Regulatory Monitoring and Assessment for Funding under Medicare and Health Care Plans
Conclusions
CHAPTER 6- THE BIO-LIFE REALM: PLAYING CATCH-UP WITH SELF-DISCIPLINED POWER RELATIONS
Introduction
Bio-life Civic Regulation, Bio-Power and Bio-Politics
Bio-life Regulation and Rule-Making
Regulating Bio-life Products and Activities: The Case of Assisted Human Reproduction
Inspection, Enforcement and Post- Monitoring Bio-life Activities
Outstanding Issues, Genetic Testing, AHRA Inertia and the Politics of Implementation
Conclusions
CHAPTER 7- POWER, CHANGING BIOTECH GOVERNANCE AND EXTENDING DEMOCRACY
Introduction
Key Arguments and Related Explanations of Biotechnology Governance Regime Change
Biotechnology Governance Challenges and Extending Democracy
REFERENCES
G. Bruce Doern is a professor emeritus in the School of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton University. He is the author and co-author of numerous books on Canadian politics and policy, including Faith and Fear: The Free Trade Story, with Brian Tomlin, and Canadian Public Policy: Ideas, Structure, Process, with Richard Phidd.