Genomic information and the public-private imbalance

Abstract

This paper investigates the extent to which public-private relationships produce unbalancing effects in the case of the generation and use of genomic/genetic information. To this end, it focuses on two interconnected issues. The first is the purported importance of genomic information, which is used to justify public spending on its production. The second is the problem of ownership and accessibility. By examining the ‘balance’ rhetoric together with the information/molecule separation, the patentability of DNA, university-industry-government relations and the role of extended public networks for proprietary genetic products and technologies, it suggests that the supposed balance between private interests and public benefits is in fact an unbalancing act in favour of private interests under the capitalist social formation.