Since the 1990s, agri-biotech multinationals have introduced a radical innovation in the form of seeds derived from genetically modified plant varieties or GMVs. However, on the basis of the ‘precautionary principle' that advocates ensuring a higher environmental protection through...

The paper maintains that biotechnology regions develop as complex systems: they start with star scientists in research universities, generating knowledge spillovers, then move progressively towards regional technology markets. In the process they attract venture capital (or modify the behaviour...