Unless social reforms are introduced that enable the middle and lower strata of society to gain their share of benefits from a technological advancement, then technological innovations will actually work against the goal of breaking down inequalities. The paper summarizes recent research on the potential impact of biotechnology on groups of developing countries, categorized on the basis of their research capacity and institutional arrangements for stimulating biotechnological development, and their status as importers or exporters of agricultural products. When small farmers have access to land, marketing opportunities, working equipment, and fair terms of credit, then recombinant genetics and biotechnology can engender positive sociopolitical effects and thus serve to enhance the quality of life of the rural poor. To capitalize on the positive potential of biotechnology, the paper calls for more public-sector research, especially by developing countries. Though a number of countries do have impressive national programs in biotechnology, a great deal still needs to be invested.
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