European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Biotechnology

  • Comparative Economics of Conventional, Organic, and Alternative Agricultural Production Systems

    Agricultural production systems are a combination of philosophy, adoptability, and the analysis of risks and rewards. This research identifies conventional and organic farming as the two dominant typologies, while biotechnology and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) act as situational modifiers.

    After a systematic review of existing literature, the study found that organic systems generally outperform conventional ones economically, primarily due to lower production costs and higher market prices, even though they often face lower yields in the fruit, vegetable, and animal sectors.

    According to the study, IPM can enhance either core system by reducing inputs without a yield penalty, although it remains a labor-intensive decision-making framework. The authors highlight that biotechnology is rapidly emerging, particularly in developing countries, where Genetically Modified (GM) crops lead to higher yields and lower production costs.

    Because biotechnology is scale-neutral, it allows smaller and lower-income farmers to achieve higher gross margins while providing environmental benefits through reduced pesticide use.

    Ultimately, the researchers suggest that unless external factors like subsidies interfere, farmers should adopt an “a la carte” approach—selecting the best elements from different systems—rather than strictly following a single discrete model to optimize their operations.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/economies9020064

    References:

    Durham, T. C., & Mizik, T. (2021). Comparative Economics of Conventional, Organic, and Alternative Agricultural Production Systems. Economies, 9(2), 64.

  • R&D Collaboration, Competitiveness Development, and Open Innovation in R&D

    While the competitiveness of the agro-industrial sector is tied to its specific performance, it also depends heavily on the character and degree of innovation.

    Research and development (R&D) collaboration is a vital tool for helping agri-food companies integrate biotechnology and offer innovative products, which adds value and differentiation within the biobased value-chain.

    To support their developed R&D collaboration model, this study conducted a diagnosis of biotechnological tools used for food safety, quality, health, and the creation of new ingredients, integrating survey results from partners within an agri-food Association.

    The results reveal that micro-businesses in the wine, fruticulture, and olive culture subsectors do not develop biotechnology research internally. According to the survey, only 27.3% of these companies claimed to have developed research activities in partnership with external research centers, and none were associated with higher education institutions.

    The authors highlight that the most significant barriers to implementing biotechnology are limited access to capital and a lack of specialized human resources. Ultimately, these findings reinforced the need for a specifically designed R&D collaboration strategy to help these small businesses overcome such obstacles.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc6040116

    Reference:

    Paiva, T., Ribeiro, M., & Coutinho, P. (2020). R&D Collaboration, Competitiveness Development, and Open Innovation in R&D. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 6(4), 116.

  • Bioeconomy: Biomass and biomass-based energy supply and demand

    Transitioning from a fossil-fuel-dependent economy to a bio-based one involves navigating a complex web of competing demands for food, feed, bioenergy, and materials.

    The researchers point out that while the potential for non-food biomass is vast, food security must remain the absolute priority when determining how to allocate these resources. According to the study, this shift requires a thorough understanding of global biomass supply and demand, with a particular emphasis on the evolving energy balance indicators within EU Member States.

    The study further analyzes the perspective of the European chemical industry and the role of new plant breeding technologies in overcoming current limitations. The authors highlight the inherent complexity of bio-based value chains, which complicates the decision-making process for resource optimization.

    Ultimately, the researchers conclude that a comprehensive, integrated approach is necessary to manage the trade-offs between different biomass uses while ensuring that the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy remains viable and secure.

    Learn more about this study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbt.2020.10.004

    Reference:

    Popp, J., Kovács, S., Oláh, J., Divéki, Z., & Balázs, E. (2021). Bioeconomy: Biomass and biomass-based energy supply and demand. New Biotechnology, 60, 76–84.