Networking and Alliances in the Diffusion of Biotechnology in emerging Countries. The Agro-Food Systems in Argentina

GRACIELA E. GUTMAN; PABLO LAVARELLO; JULIA CAJAL GROSSI

Ribeirao Preto, Brazil

Conferencia; VI International Conferencie, "Sustainable Agri-food and Bioenergy Chains. networks Economics and Management"; 2007

PENSA, Universidad de Sao Paulo

This paper explores the relationships and networks between university, public and private technological research institutes and firms, in the food industry, with a focus on the recent development of the food ingredients (FI) sector in Argentina. This dynamic is related to the outspread of modern biotechnology in agri- food productions, in the context of the economic liberalization and the market openness of the 90s.The most dynamics FI markets, both at international and at local level, are highly concentrated, with few huge Multinationals Firms operating in very hierarchical markets. However, there are opportunities for local firms to develop process and product innovation for industrial diversification and upgrading strategies based in modern biotechnology, in the context of international technological alliances with public institutions and Multinational Firms and an appropriate institutional and regulatory framework for the development, adoption and diffusion of these technologies