The limits to governance: The challenge of policy-making for the new life sciences

Lyall, Catherine; Papaioannou, Theo and Smith, James eds. (2009). The limits to governance: The challenge of policy-making for the new life sciences. Farnham, UK: Ashgate.

URL: http://www.ashgate.com/isbn/9780754675082

Abstract

Does the state still frame debates about new technology? How can policy-makers ensure that we benefit from the health developments brought by genomics while satisfying both the expectations of society and the economic imperatives? This book offers a critique of the new governance agenda for science and innovation in the context of the life sciences, and particularly genomics. The authors argue that the governance of genomics presents policy-makers worldwide with a variety of new problems. Biotechnology promises a great deal, but has in many respects still to deliver on these promises. Concerns persist about risks, ethics and the north-south dimensions of this global endeavour.