Biopharmaceutical Innovation System and the Influence of Policies: The Case of Taiwan (2000-2008)

This article discusses the influence of policies on the development of biopharmaceuticals. We choose the experiences of Taiwan for our empirical study and focus on the evolution between 2000 and 2008; in the period of time the country provides an interesting example for further exploration of biopharmaceutical policies. Among all the policies, the two National Programs (National Research Program for Genetic Medicine and National Science and Technology Program for Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals) and the Law of Pharmaceutical Affairs showed the contrasting effects on the innovation system of biopharmaceuticals. As a result, the government generated very limited positive influence on the innovation of biopharmaceuticals.