Applied human genomics from an innovation systems perspective.
OBJECTIVE
Nutrigenetics remains at the forefront of applied human genomics, and for this reason it draws scrutiny from several different perspectives. Most conspicuous among these perspectives is the interest demonstrated in the regulation of nutrigenetics. There are other, equally important factors affecting the fate of nutrigenetics which can be considered alongside regulation. Using innovation systems theory to guide the analysis provides insights into the future of nutrigenetics innovation.


METHODS
Innovation systems theory is used to analyze the opportunities and constraints on nutrigenetics.


CONCLUSIONS
Regulation of nutrigenetics has preoccupied the attention of many commentators, but other constraints such as intellectual property and access to venture capital are serious and probable impediments to future commercial development of nutrigenetics.
Castle
David
D
Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont., Canada. dcastle@uottawa.ca
D002170:Canada; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D015894:Genome, Human; D006801:Humans; D018973:Intellectual Property; D054647:Nutrigenomics / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D013598:Systems Theory