Genetic use restriction technologies and the diffusion of yield gains to developing countries

The focus of this paper is the analysis of genetic use restriction technologies (GURTs) from the perspective of the diffusion of crop improvements to developing countries. One of the possible consequences of genetic use restriction technologies is a distinct downward shift in the growth trajectories of agricultural productivity in developing countries by restricting the flow of innovations to which these countries have had access in the past. In this case, developing countries are likely to face cumulative losses in agricultural productivity growth as a result of widespread adoption of GURTs by crop innovators. This paper presents the results of a study on hybrid crops, a precursor technology, to establish the negative effect of use restriction technologies on diffusion and discusses the implications of widespread use of GURTs for developing countries. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.