ABSTRACT
The term biotechnology specifically denotes the manipulation of living organisms such as recombinant DNA for the express purpose of engendering new products and/or more efficient processes. Recognizing biotechnology's importance and its many unresolved issues, Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) launched a major study of biotechnology in the early 1980s. The OTA analysis is predicated on the notion that the most important factors are those which promote an optimal mix of large- and small-firm involvement in biotechnology development. The OTA report suggests that regulatory issues are only moderately significant. The gap between basic and applied research is also manifest in the area of support personnel required to speed technological development. For the typical American manager to manage innovation better, a great deal of individual and organizational learning must take place. With specific reference to biotechnology firms, F. A. Dubinskas identifies a serious "culture chasm" between scientists and managers.
