Biological resource centres (BRCs) collect, certify and distribute organisms for use in research and in the development of commerical products in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and biotechnology industries. They maintain a large and varied collection, including cell lines, micro-organisms, recombinant DNA material, biological media and reagents, and the information technology tools that allow researchers to access biological materials.

There is considerable debate regarding the implications of technological change for economic policy and the appropriate policies and programs regarding research, innovation, and the commercialization of new technology.This debate has intensified as policy makers have focused on new sources of innovation and growth in light of the continuing economic downturn and the associated focus on enhancing employment and growth."Innovation Policy and the Economy" provides an ongoing forum for the presentation of research on the interactions among public policy, the innovation process, and the economy....