Business Technology

Since scientists first began to cut and splice DNA in 1973, biotechnology has produced everything from super rice to super drugs. Considering a burgeoning global population, and increasing demands for new, more effective drugs, biotechnology may be, as host Fred Dorey asserts, the only answer we've got." In this program, a group of experts, including Uwe Reinhardt of Princeton University and Professor Jurgen Drews, President of International Research and Development for Hoffmann La Roche, Inc., discuss how biotechnology will meet the challenges of the 21st century. Other experts discuss public concern and the need for debate and consensus; financial and research and development issues; patent protection; world markets; and biotechnology's benefits for humankind. (47 minutes)"

Biotechnology and telecommunications define, in part, the cutting edge of research, as William Haseltine, founder and CEO of Human Genome Sciences, and David Huber, founder and CEO of Corvis Corporation, well know. In this program, business meets science as Drs. Haseltine and Huber stress the rewards of working at the forefront of technology. In addition, MBA students and faculty from Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of Management ask questions about what Haseltine and Huber are doing to educate the public about their findings and what helps them maintain their focus. (57 minutes)

High-tech innovation has triggered an avalanche of new business opportunities. Module one of this program examines how information technology is changing the airline business in Hong Kong. In module two, the impact of the evolving Internet infrastructure on markets and business organization is discussed. In module three, tomato-growing in Iceland is a case in point for the way technological advances are allowing traditional industries to alter their production methods. (28 minutes)

Without adopting new technological developments, a company's profits will lag; with them, they can soar. This program uses two case studies-Ford and Australia Post-as they introduce very different types of technology in their respective organizations. Can these companies hope to maintain sales, market share, and profit if they are not in a position to exploit the latest technological advancements? (29 minutes)