The Role of Government in the Labeling - Term Paper Example

? Management Government 4500 Management Government 4500 Response Genetic engineering technology refers to a set of technologies that change the genetic makeup of cells and move genes across species boundaries to produce novel organisms (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2003). This technology aims at generating organisms that are better in certain ways involving complicated manipulations of genetic material and other biologically important chemicals (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2003). The new organisms have new characteristics and traits and assume the term genetically modified organism (GMO). A technology battles against other technological designs to achieve dominance (Suarez, 2004). Notably, just like any other technology, genetic engineering technology experiences various battle milestones in different stages of a dominance battle to achieve dominance. Battles for dominance occur where two or more technologies apply in one firm within the same industry (Suarez, 2004). In this context, the outcome of the technological battle will determine the fate of genetic engineering technology and the success of the products of this technology. Each milestone marked the beginning of a new stage in the dominance battle where each stage had different dynamics that derived distinct factors associated with dominance (Suarez, 2004). Biologists achieved the first milestone in overcoming startup challenges while trying to introduce the technology for commercial purposes. This was in in the first stage of dominance battle that introduced the key characteristics of the technology. The second milestone was in the second stage that demonstrated the technical feasibility of the technology and related to the appearance of the ?rst working prototype (Suarez, 2004) of the GMO that warned other technologies. Moreover, the successful introduction of the first GMO for commercial purposes was another milestone in the dominance process though it was too expensive for the mass market. This was in the third stage that created the market for the technology. The fourth milestone related to establishment of GMOs as clear front-runner in a stage with several competitors in the dominance battle where this technology stood a chance of winning the battle (Suarez, 2004). Ultimately, the technology’s achievement of dominance marked the last milestone where the technology is now dominant in many industries as it occupies a significant market share (Suarez, 2004). This was in the last stage of dominance battle where genetic engineering technology emerged as a clear dominant technology in the market. Response 2 The organic food industry poses a relevant ethical dilemma on whether the benefits of developing and supplying GMOs supersede the future demerits that GMOs may pose for the environment, human beings, and the animal kingdom. To this effect, I recommend that the world addresses the possible adverse effects of using GMOs and seek to achieve global food security through sound scientific principles. Such a move would be consistent with the actor’s basic duties of seeking to achieve global food security. At the same time, this recommendation will respect the rights and other legitimate claims of the affected parties as it will ensure that human beings, the ecosystem, and animals are free from the adverse effects of GMOs and that animals and human beings are free from hunger. This recommendation is equally compatible with the scientists’ deep commitment of ensuring global food security without jeopardizing the future lives of the affected parties. Response 3 Based on Franco Malerba’s reading “Innovation and the dynamics and evolution of industries: progress and challenges,” I choose to describe how the structure and current state of emergence in the organic food industry affects competition and innovation. There have been various analyses on the relationship between innovation and the dynamics and evolution of industries, which includes the organic food industry. In this context, we will address the knowledge base of the organic food industry, the dynamics of collaborations in innovation, and demand in terms of competent consumers and innovative users (Malerba, 2006). It is clear that there has been immense growth in the organic food industry where the industry is now raking in about $20 billion a year in the United States (Food Tank, 2013).This growth has affected competition and innovation where the growth entailed significant biotechnology advancements. Today, the growth in the industry derives new organisms with complicated genetic material and biologically important chemicals. The emergence of this industry accommodated an increase in the knowledge base in the technologies of the organic food industry, which is clear in the recent GMOs. The motivators of the current state of emergence in the organic food industry that include increasing ecological concerns and increasing demand (Malerba, 2006) for GMO products led to increased competition as companies seek to satisfy this demand. The knowledge base and capabilities of certain firms who invented in organic food industry led to the evolution of this industry (Malerba, 2006). On the other hand, the structure of the organic food industry fostered competition and innovation. Notably, the changes in ownership and control of the U.S. organic food industry allowed many companies to engage in the industry (Food Tank, 2013). The new structure led to the formulation of standardized organic food regulations, which encouraged many food companies to own organic brands and thus the competition in the industry. Moreover, the dynamics of market structure and on the entry encourage many firms to enter the organic food industry and hence the competition. Indeed, there are at least 16 independent organic brands and large transnational corporations (Food Tank, 2013). Response 4 Considering the government mechanisms introduced in the reading “Commercializing new energy technologies: failure of the Japanese machine?” I will describe the role of government as organic food industry has emerged. Governments should devised an organic food policy and establish a structured Program to develop the organic food industry (Harborne & Hendry, 2012). To achieve this, the government should also provide financial support to pay organic food farmers, encourage research on organic foods, launch marketing strategies to foster sales, identify limitation in the industry, streamline the supply chain, initiate better regulations, and promote better management in the industry (Harborne & Hendry, 2012). The government should also establish technical authorities and agencies to ensure the production and sale of safe, wholesome, and properly labeled organic products (Emma, 2013). References Emma, C. (2013). The Role of Government in the Labeling of GM Food. Retrieved from: http://cip.cornell.edu/DPubS?service=UI&version=1.0&verb=Display&handle=dns.gfs/1284648729 Food Tank. (2013). Organic Industry Structure. Retrieved from: http://foodtank.org/resources/995/Infographics/Organic_Industry_Structure Harborne, P., & Hendry, C. (2012). Commercializing new energy technologies: failure of the Japanese machine? Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 24(5), pp. 497-510. Malerba, F. (2007). Innovation and the dynamics and evolution of industries: Progress and challenges. International Journal of Industrial Organization, 25 (4), pp. 675-699. Suarez, F. (2004). Battles for technological dominance: an integrative framework. Research Policy, 33 (2), pp. 271-286. Union of Concerned Scientists. (2003). What Is Genetic Engineering? Retrieved from: http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/our-failing-food-system/genetic-engineering/what-is-genetic-engineering.html Read More