Functionality of the Turkish biotechnology system

Can developing countries catch-up in the biotech sector? This paper analyzes the performance of the Turkish biotechnology system, and identifies barriers and enablers to its performance, so as to guide policy makers. Our research lends further building blocks to the do called functional approach to innovation system dynamics, by pointing out specific conditions for developing countries. Analytically, our contribution lies in the realm of operationalizing internationalization of IS. The observations imply that some functions have improved in the Turkish system - knowledge development, entrepreneurial experimentation and market formation – while the functions resource mobilization, legitimation & influence of the direction of search have not reached a stable situation, and policy implications are discussed as based on these findings.