Development of Cuban biotechnology

Abstract

The emergence and expansion of biotechnology in Cuba as a new branch of the economy provide a good example of the challenges faced by a high-technology sector which deserves analysis. There are already clearly visible results in this sector such as investment in the research and production infrastructure, a qualified workforce, high-quality research and good product pipelines in the Cuban health system coupled with a growing export capacity, supporting a positive cash flow. These advances have been aided by the integration of research-production organisations, state funding, social ownership, export orientation and the comprehensive integration of the Cuban biotechnology multi-institutional system. In the forthcoming years, the future development of this sector in Cuba should produce a more evident impact on the economy and Cuban society.