Conclusions

In the introduction the question was posed, whether and to which extent biotechnology may, in terms of comparative advantage, become an industry of the future for Hungary which accordingly should be promoted in an appropriate way. The results of the audit indicate that Hungary may expect a good position in agro-food biotechnology while other biotechnology-related sectors look less promising. The agro-food biotechnology area could be a strategic one for Hungary. On the other hand it is very doubtful whether biotechnology in the pharmaceutical industry will have strategic importance in Hungary. This does not mean that this sector should be neglected. However, since it is important for success to concentrate the critical innovation mass, government policy has to choose and select target areas and target groups for its supporting measures. In this context the audit provides an additional tool for priority-setting in policy formulation.