Science vs. Profit in Research. Lessons from the Human Genome Project

Arbeitspapier

This paper elaborates on the recent race to sequence the human genome. Starting from the debate on public vs. private research arising from the genome case, the paper shows that in some fundamental research areas, where knowledge externalities play an important role, market and non-market allocation mechanisms do coexist and should coexist in order to ensure socially desirable achievements. A game-theoretic model makes it possible to demonstrate the above results and to characterise some features of an optimal research policy.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: CESifo Working Paper ; No. 541

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation ; Taxation and Subsidies: Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies ; Publicly Provided Goods: General ; Management of Technological Innovation and R&D ; Technological Change: Government Policy
• Subject: Science ; technology ; allocation mechanisms ; intellectual property rights ; welfare

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Carraro, Carlo ; Pomè, Alessandra ; Siniscalco, Domenico
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo)
• (where): Munich
• (when): 2001

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/75802
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:43 AM CET