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 possible 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.
A question on biotechnology R&D was added to the survey of R&D undertaken by businesses in 2001-02.
Development work is currently underway on a future biotechnology survey. The planned biotechnology survey with respect to 2002-03 has been deferred, and is expected to be conducted with respect to 2003-04.
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