If biotechnology is successful in promoting human and animal health at reasonable cost, and is acceptable from a social and ethical perspective, financing will be available. Accordingly, it is biotech's success and acceptability which will determine its future. It is my perception that many of the scientists in the area want to be free to pursue their scientific interests, but often slough off the hard ethical questions which may arise from their work. A case in point is the cloning of sheep. Many scientists either do not want, or do not know how, to deal with the public's concerns, imagined or real.
Biotechnology touches on central issues of life, human identity and religion.
Its future depends on how well it deals with these issues. In 1983, the Federal Government developed the National Biotechnology Strategy. To create a strong national capability in biotechnology, support was provided for initiatives in basic science and technology, industrial research and development as well as human resource development, including university-industry networks. Consultations with stakeholders on the renewed strategy are planned for this fall. A number of federal inter-departmental working groups are being established to develop the issues for the consultations.