Agricultural biotechnology and developing countries : the case of the Turkish cotton sector

Abstract

This thesis describes and analyses the present situation for agricultural biotechnology in Turkey and relates the situation in Turkey, as a developing country, to the global situation for biotechnology in agriculture. The thesis describes and analyses present and future applications of biotechnology in Turkey with special emphasis on the Turkish cotton sector. Emphasis is also put on the preconditions necessary for introducing modern biotechnology in the Turkish cotton sector.

In order to describe and analyse the innovative environment in the Turkish cotton sector with respect to biotechnology, the national system of innovation approach is used as a conceptual framework. The systems of innovation approach is based upon interactive learning theories and evolutionary economical theory. The process of innovation is at the centre of analysis in the approach, and the basic assumption is that innovation and technological change are the foundation of economical growth. By using the national system of innovation approach as a conceptual framework, the application of biotechnology to the Turkish cotton sector is analysed in a national context, where nation specific factors are taken into account.