Biotech in China

Book excerpt: In her quest for a global leadership in science and technology, the People's Republic of China has attained top ranks in the number of scientific publications, "hot papers," or national and international patent applications. This also pertains to fields such as biomedicine, agricultural and industrial biotechnology, as well as environmental monitoring and sanitation. However, analysis of the underlying structures and mechanisms is hindered by the sheer flood of data, by stringent government control of all media, including the internet; and by ambiguities inherent in translation from Chinese. This book tries to overcome these difficulties and provides a concise picture of the biotechnology-related research and development (R&D) in China. The book begins with brief accounts of China's geography, people, and their mindset; her political and administrational structure, economy, and finance; her infrastructure related to science and technology; and her educational system and R&D landscape. It then presents succinct accounts on structures and developments in biomedicine, diagnostics, agriculture, fermented food, bioindustry, and environmental biotechnology, with reference to government, industry, and academia. It finally attempts to predict next steps in Chinese biotechnology, both for the national agenda and in view of China's ambitious global development strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative.