ABSTRACT
Relatively few scientists in Mongolia apply modern biotechnology techniques, such as genetic engineering, in their research and development activities. Until recently this small group of experts received considerable government support but was largely isolated from the world scientific community (Dashnyam, 1994; Zilinskas, 1996). Since the early 1990s, however, both these circumstances have changed drastically. In regards to funding, in the days before 1991 the Mongolian government, with adequate support from the Soviet Union and other Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA) countries, provided ample financial support to the more than 80 scientific research institutes existing in those days (Ben-Dak et al., 1995). However, since 1991, support for science generally has fallen to disastrously low levels, making it nearly impossible for research institutes that depend only on government payments to operate effectively. In practice, the only scientists able to undertake meaningful work are those with international connections. The current status of biotechnology research reflects the general situation in Mongolian science and, therefore, is highly unsatisfactory to scientists and entrepreneurs alike.
