User–producer interactions in functional genomics innovations

Summary

Now we are at the doorstep of the functional genomics era, lessons can be learned from the debates on risks, public acceptance and ethical aspects of biotechnology, by anticipating on users’ preferences and needs, and by involving users in the innovation process.

Insights into the user—producer interactions are also important because developments in nutrigenomics and pharmacogenomics may cause a shift-towards an individualised consumer demand and a de-fragmented market. The relation between users and producers will alter when the genomics ‘products’ become customised (e.g. tailor-made drugs, functional foods). In order to get a better understanding of the interaction between users and producers in functional genomics innovations and to learn about a useful participation of users in genomics developments, this exploratory paper focuses on what we can learn from innovation studies about the role of users in functional genomics innovations. This leads to recommendations for governance of biotechnology in general and functional genomics in particular.

Keywords:

• Functional genomics
• biotechnology
• ethics
• preference
• user–producer interactions
• market fragmentation
• risks
• nutrigenomics
• pharmacogenomics
• governance