Biotechnology Overview of the Argentinian
Province of Córdoba

Photo: Daniela Medeira, Flickr

An overview of biotechnology advances in Córdoba Province, Argentina, can be found in the project document Mapa biotecnológico de la Provincia de Córdoba (Biotechnology Map of Córdoba Province), produced by the ECLAC Office in Buenos Aires, in the framework of an agreement with the Córdoba Technological Linkage Unit, founded by three business associations of the region.

The study is based on original and up-to-date information obtained from specific field surveys involving biotechnology and science enterprises that carry out this kind of research. The surveys provided quantitative and qualitative information used to outline the biotechnology map.

From the quantitative perspective, the study shows the scale of the actors involved, economic efforts, results and impacts of biotechnology in the Province. This is supplemented by a qualitative analysis that enriches the knowledge base in terms of reasons and factors that explain the current technological and productive capacities in this area, as well as obstacles in the way of even greater development.

On the subject of enterprises, the study states that they make up a heterogeneous group that carries out activities relating to human and animal health, non-genetically-modified crop biotechnology and industrial processing.

According to the study, such enterprises generate around 300 jobs and, in recent years, over half of the companies increased their employment levels by over 20%. People working exclusively on biotechnological production account for 180 workers.

Although these enterprises can have some individual potential, they do not yet form a substantial branch with the capacity to generate operational synergies.

The document also states that there is a biotechnology and science base of researchers from various academic and science and technology institutions located within the Province.

In terms of the potential areas of application, the results of the research are expected to focus on three major areas: human health, agriculture and animal health.

There are also possible applications in other areas such as the environment, natural resources, industrial processing and forestry.

This document provides an exhaustive study and a comprehensive overview of the evolution and current development of biotechnology activity in Córdoba Province, including all the public and private stakeholders that are actively involved.

Figure
Province of Córdoba: areas of application for the results of biotechnology projects

Source: Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), on the basis of the database of the Biotechnology Map of Córdoba Province.