Despite such uncertainty, gene therapy enjoys societal acceptance in most countries. Individuals do not want to alter the genetic content of food, but are willing to alter the genetic makeup of a person. They perceive a direct benefit in the elimination of genetically induced diseases. Gene therapy belongs in the lower right hand corner of figure 4, therefore. Another example may be derived from the regulation of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance entails a considerable amount of uncertainty.
Bacterial populations are chaotic systems and small perturbations in bacterial populations can have substantial effects that cannot be predicted in advance. There are also strongly held opinions and positions about the impact of antibiotic resistance on human health. Making decisions about antimicrobial drugs will therefore be challenging for the FDA, as it tries to find a balance between animal and public health needs. Concluding Comments With decision situations that fall in the zone of complexity, linear methods of solving problems, such as strategic planning and action plans, do not always work effectively. In order to resolve conflicts, and arrive at sustainable solutions, stakeholders must come together, discuss the issues, and find common ground.