[img_assist|nid=191|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=43]In November 2001, the Biotechnology and Development Monitor facilitated an online debate on biotechnology and food production. In the first round, participants were able to determine the discussion agenda. The issues they considered to be the most relevant were patenting, systems of food production, capacity building, and rights and choices. The discussion showed the potential of this kind of online event. It resulted in a report and recommendations for Dutch policies.

[img_assist|nid=362|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=43]With the sequencing of the entire human genome coming closer by the day, the implications resulting from the exploitation of this information are becoming clearer. Intellectual property claims play an important role in the race between private and public sequencing efforts. While pharmaceutical companies are eager to use the generated knowledge to optimize drug development strategies, these will most likely neglect the intrests of developing countries.