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Policy influences on technology for agriculture - chemicals biotechnology and seeds

Objective



Technological innovation in the agrochemical, biotechnology and seeds industries and in associated public sector research establishments (PSREs) has the potential to deliver more socially and environmentally sustainable farming systems and to improve the quality of life in Europe. However, interactions and gaps in the policy, regulatory and market environments of these organisations can discourage or delay such improvements.

The project will investigate these issues as follows:

(i) a study of major influences on industry and PSRE decision making, including policies and regulations at national, regional and EU levels, as well as the demands of food processors, retailers, public opinion and attitudes (market-related factors);

(ii) (the core of the project) an investigation of the impact of such issues on the strategies and decisions of companies, trade organizations and PSREs, focusing on decisions about product development, levels of investment and location of investment; and

(iii) a study of the outcomes of these decisions, as reflected in effects on European and international competitiveness, employment levels and the sustainability and biodiversity of European intensive agriculture.
The results from the project will be fed back to policy makers at national and EU levels and to managers in companies and PSREs to facilitate future development and implementation of policies in these areas.

Partners will be based in the UK (including overall coordination), Netherlands (including coordination of policy-related research), France (including coordination of industry studies), Spain and Denmark.
Deliverables will include reports on policy and market-related factors relevant to decision making in industry and PSREs, reports on strategic decision making in industry and its outcomes for industry and more widely, an integrated overall report, a PITA database and summary reports. We will also produce information packs for policy, industry and PSRE decision makers.
The strength and novelty of this project lies in

- its breadth, including the focus on interactions among a range of policies;
- the relationship between policy and practice in the industries concerned;
- the follow-through to competitiveness, employment, biodiversity and sustainability implications; and

- the feedback to policy makers and other decision makers.

For these reasons it will provide a significant new contribution to policy analysis and development at regional, national, EU and international levels.

Call for proposal

Data not available

Coordinator

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
EU contribution
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Address
Walton Hall
MK7 6AA MILTON KEYNES
United Kingdom

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Total cost
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Participants (8)