Controversy continues about the ability of the state to promote international competitiveness of industry in general and of specific industries in particular. This study examines how the policies of the British and Japanese governments have affected the development of the pharmaceutical industries in each country. Three areas are given close attention: policies which aim to control prices or profits; patent policy; and science and technology promotion policy, particularly policies for biotechnology. Prospects for these policies are considered in the context of moves towards harmonisation of pharmaceutical regulation.

Jeremy Howells

Ian Neary

List of Tables and Figures - List of Abbreviations - Acknowledgements - Introduction - The Social and Political Context of the Pharmaceutical Industry in the UK and Japan - The Economic and Technological Framework of Pharmaceuticals - Promotion, Prices and Profits - Patent Policy - Science and Technology Policy in the UK and Japan: A Support Framework for Pharmaceuticals? - Biotechnology Policies and Innovation Support Infrastructure in the Context of Pharmaceuticals - Conclusion - Appendix 1: Annual Average Exchange Rates between UK Sterling and Japanese Yen against the Dollar, 1975-93 - Appendix 2: Culture Collection Survey - Bibliography - Index