8101.0 - Innovation and Technology Update (Newsletter), Dec 2003  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 14/01/2004   
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4 BIOTECHNOLOGY STATISTICS

4.1 Introduction

There is growing recognition worldwide that biotechnology offers many opportunities for delivering economic and social benefits to citizens of both developed and developing countries. However, there is currently little statistical information available to monitor the diffusion of biotechnology and to assist with policy choices.

4.2 Developments

The ABS is continuing to participate in an OECD Working Group which is developing a set of internationally comparable biotechnology statistical indicators. This work has formed the basis for the development of strategies for the collection of Australian biotechnology statistics. Papers have been prepared specifying user requirements, international experiences and outlining various strategies, including the collection of additional data in the existing R&D surveys and the conduct of a new biotechnology survey.

Development work is now underway on a biotechnology survey to be conducted in respect of 2003-04.