oa Policy Paradoxes: The Commercialization of Stem Cell Research

Over the past several years the funding of stem cell research has often been justified on the grounds that it could serve as an engine of regional economic growth. To some degree, this is part of a larger trend, one that has placed biomedical research as a central component of many jurisdictions’ economic strategies. This has led to increasing pressure on researchers to build links with industry, to rapidly move their work to the clinic and to develop commercializable products. While there are undeniable benefits with this approach, it has also created some interesting policy challenges. In this presentation I will both review the nature and extent of the commercialization pressure and explore the related legal, ethical and social issues, including the possible adverse impact commercialization pressure may have on the research environment and the promotion of inappropriate 'hype'.