No doubt that the development of biotechnology in SA will play an important role in economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation, as reported in, Shift focus to cellular level, says leading biologist (March 23). The establishment of biotechnology companies depends entirely on the ability of universities and research institutions to produce original, basic life science data that can be patented. An analysis of publications from university research annual reports, the National Research Foundation and the Medical Research Council shows that universities are not creating original life science knowledge.
