Biotechnology and plant genetic engineering hold strong appeal in Colombia, due to the technology's potential to enable participation in the new knowledge economy and as a way of harnessing the country's great biodiversity. However, genetic engineering technology and its related knowledge production are dominated by northern interests and resources. Colombian scientists employing genetic engineering must work within this context. Nonetheless, many to hope that their research projects will benefit Colombia. This technology is therefore negotiated between optimism for future potential and the constraints of the global conditions in which it takes place.
Biotechnology; genetic engineering and technology