Suchergebnisse

Contents: Jeronim Perovic, Robert Orttung: Russia's energy policy: should Europe worry? Russian oil and gas production. Russia's oil and gas industry in an international context (7-26). Part I Russia's energy policy: economic challenges and political strategies - Daniel Simmons, Isabel Murray: Russian gas: will there be enough investment? (27-30); Julia Kusznir, Heiko Pleines: The Russian oil industry between foreign investment and domestic interests. FDI and state ownership in the oil and gas industry (31-35); Susanne Wengle: Power politics: electricity sector reforms in post-Soviet Russia. Attitudes of the Russian public towards the privatization of UES (41-44). Part II Russia's new energy frontiers - Indra Overland: Shtokman and Russia's Arctic petroleum frontier (45-49); Nina Poussenkova: All quiet on the eastern front... (50-55); Elana Wilson Rowe: Regional influence in oil and gas development: a case study of Sakhalin (56-62). Part III Energy and foreign policy - Jeronim Perovic: Russian energy power abroad (63-66); Andreas Heinrich: Gazprom's expansion strategy in Europe and the liberalization of EU energy markets. Gazprom joint ventures, EU gas imports (67-74); Matteo Fachinotti: Will Russia create a gas cartel? (75-78); Yoshinori Takeda: Russia's new political leadership and its implication for East Siberian development and energy cooperation with North East Asian states (79-84). Part IV Ecological challenges - Roland Götz: Russia and global warming - implications for the energy industry (85-88); Petra Opitz: Energy savings in Russia - political challenges and economic potential. Russian CO2 emissions and energy consumption in international perspective (89-96).

This article explores the dynamics of digital (dis)information in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. International Relations scholars have presented the online debate in terms of 'information warfare'—that is, a number of strategic campaigns to win over local and global public opinion, largely orchestrated by the Kremlin and pro-western authorities. However, this way of describing the online debate reduces civil society to a mere target for manipulation. This article presents a different understanding of the debate. By examining the social media engagement generated by one of the conflict's most important events—the downing of the Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) over Ukraine—we explore how competing claims about the cause of the plane crash are disseminated by the state, media and civil society. By analysing approximately 950,000 tweets, the article demonstrates how individual citizens are more than purveyors of government messages; they are the most active drivers of both disinformation and attempts to counter such information. These citizen curators actively shape competing narratives about why MH17 crashed and citizens, as a group, are four times more likely to be retweeted than any other type of user. Our findings challenge conceptualizations of a state-orchestrated information war over Ukraine, and point to the importance of citizen activity in the struggle over truths during international conflicts.

The future of liberal internationalism will be influenced increasingly by the re-emergence of China as a major power on the world stage and by the way the United States is reacting to China's growing influence. In this article, we discern three possible scenarios: one of inevitable conflict, one of gradual co-optation and a hybrid scenario of coexistence. We argue that in order to understand the development of the Sino-US relationship and the sometimes-contradictory outcomes and dilemmas this generates, we need to take into account the social and domestic sources of foreign policy within these two major powers, and the distinctive state–society models that they represent. Crucially, this includes how the domestic political economy is dynamically interrelated with the global political economic context. In our approach, foreign policy elites form a key nexus here and a vital prism through which to analyse foreign policy strategies. From this critical political economy perspective, we will describe how China's re-emergence as a world power is partly shaped by its distinctive 'statist' state–society model, to then analyse US strategy towards rising China through the lens of the close nexus between America's corporate elite and the state. In our concluding section we will return to the three scenarios. Based on the findings presented, and in light of the radical shift that seems to be occurring due to the Trump presidency, we will reflect on the likelihood of these scenarios, the future of the liberal world order and conclude with a research agenda.

Проаналізовано сучасні загрози та виклики системі європейської безпеки та їхній вплив на розвиток міжнародно-правового співробітництва держав-членів Європейського Союзу у оборонній сфері. З'ясовано роль Європейського Союзу в архітектурі європейської безпеки. Акцентовано увагу на поступових кроках Європейського Союзу в напрямку переходу з позиції «споживача» безпеки на позицію, досягти якої прагне європейська спільнота – «творця» безпеки. Досліджено основні міжнародно-правові механізми співробітництва держав-членів Європейського Союзу в сфері оборони. Розглянуто перспективи подальшого посилення співпраці в оборонній сфері на рівні ЄС. ; Анализируются современные угрозы и вызовы системе европейской безопасности и их влияние на развитие международно-правового сотрудничества государств-членов Европейского Союза в сфере обороны. Определяется роль Европейского Союза в архитектуре европейской безопасности. Акцентируется внимание на постепенных шагах Европейского Союза в направлении перехода с позиции «потребителя» безопасности на позицию, достичь которой стремится европейское сообщество – «творца» безопасности. Исследованы основные международно-правовые механизмы сотрудничества государств-членов Европейского Союза в сфере обороны. Рассмотрены перспективы дальнейшего усиления сотрудничества в оборонной сфере на уровне ЕС. ; Nowadays the European Union part in the process of formation of international legal mechanism of cooperation in the sphere of security and defence has considerably grown and continues to grown. With the appearance of a series of new challenges and threats the question of counteraction them has increased.The international-legal mechanisms of European Union country-members cooperation in the sphere of defence, investigated in the article are the legal basis for the further development of the European security system. The investigation of the EU country-members cooperation in the sphere of defence gives the opportunity to make clear the EU part in the general architecture of the European and global security and to predict the possibilities of the further strengthening of EU cooperation in the sphere of defence.It is necessary emphasize that the achievement of the high level of European security can be provided only by effort integration of EU bodies and structures, the activity of which is to be directed the constant improvement of international legal mechanisms of cooperation in the sphere of security and defence.It must be stressed that none of such threats can't be liquidated with military means exclusively. It is necessary to use a certain set of instruments to counteract each of such threats which the EU has, they are: common operations on disarmament; humanitarian and rescuing operations, granting of military advice and help, prevention of conflicts and peace support and others. Besides, though the regional conflicts first of all need political decisions, the necessity in military means can appear at any stage of the conflict. It must be mentioned, that the EU has different instruments on its disposal, to react at such many-sided situations. This day a system of bodies has been formed, to support the EU defence policy realization. Besides, the constant structural cooperation within the Union has been settled for the EU member-states whose military potential satisfies the highest criteria, and who have close obligations in this sphere concerning each other (PESKO).At the same time, the systems analysis of the current state of security system legal control in the context of global challenges and threats nowadays, and the real ability to resist them in dependently, gives the opportunity to confirm that the European Union, as an independent player in the European security architecture, is on its phase of formation today.

Nowadays the European Union part in the process of formation of international legal mechanism of cooperation in the sphere of security and defence has considerably grown and continues to grown. With the appearance of a series of new challenges and threats the question of counteraction them has increased.The international-legal mechanisms of European Union country-members cooperation in the sphere of defence, investigated in the article are the legal basis for the further development of the European security system. The investigation of the EU country-members cooperation in the sphere of defence gives the opportunity to make clear the EU part in the general architecture of the European and global security and to predict the possibilities of the further strengthening of EU cooperation in the sphere of defence.It is necessary emphasize that the achievement of the high level of European security can be provided only by effort integration of EU bodies and structures, the activity of which is to be directed the constant improvement of international legal mechanisms of cooperation in the sphere of security and defence.It must be stressed that none of such threats can't be liquidated with military means exclusively. It is necessary to use a certain set of instruments to counteract each of such threats which the EU has, they are: common operations on disarmament; humanitarian and rescuing operations, granting of military advice and help, prevention of conflicts and peace support and others. Besides, though the regional conflicts first of all need political decisions, the necessity in military means can appear at any stage of the conflict. It must be mentioned, that the EU has different instruments on its disposal, to react at such many-sided situations. This day a system of bodies has been formed, to support the EU defence policy realization. Besides, the constant structural cooperation within the Union has been settled for the EU member-states whose military potential satisfies the highest criteria, and who have close obligations in this sphere concerning each other (PESKO).At the same time, the systems analysis of the current state of security system legal control in the context of global challenges and threats nowadays, and the real ability to resist them in dependently, gives the opportunity to confirm that the European Union, as an independent player in the European security architecture, is on its phase of formation today. ; Анализируются современные угрозы и вызовы системе европейской безопасности и их влияние на развитие международно-правового сотрудничества государств-членов Европейского Союза в сфере обороны. Определяется роль Европейского Союза в архитектуре европейской безопасности. Акцентируется внимание на постепенных шагах Европейского Союза в направлении перехода с позиции «потребителя» безопасности на позицию, достичь которой стремится европейское сообщество – «творца» безопасности. Исследованы основные международно-правовые механизмы сотрудничества государств-членов Европейского Союза в сфере обороны. Рассмотрены перспективы дальнейшего усиления сотрудничества в оборонной сфере на уровне ЕС. ; Проаналізовано сучасні загрози та виклики системі європейської безпеки та їхній вплив на розвиток міжнародно-правового співробітництва держав-членів Європейського Союзу у оборонній сфері. З'ясовано роль Європейського Союзу в архітектурі європейської безпеки. Акцентовано увагу на поступових кроках Європейського Союзу в напрямку переходу з позиції «споживача» безпеки на позицію, досягти якої прагне європейська спільнота – «творця» безпеки. Досліджено основні міжнародно-правові механізми співробітництва держав-членів Європейського Союзу в сфері оборони. Розглянуто перспективи подальшого посилення співпраці в оборонній сфері на рівні ЄС.

Nowadays the European Union part in the process of formation of international legal mechanism of cooperation in the sphere of security and defence has considerably grown and continues to grown. With the appearance of a series of new challenges and threats the question of counteraction them has increased.The international-legal mechanisms of European Union country-members cooperation in the sphere of defence, investigated in the article are the legal basis for the further development of the European security system. The investigation of the EU country-members cooperation in the sphere of defence gives the opportunity to make clear the EU part in the general architecture of the European and global security and to predict the possibilities of the further strengthening of EU cooperation in the sphere of defence.It is necessary emphasize that the achievement of the high level of European security can be provided only by effort integration of EU bodies and structures, the activity of which is to be directed the constant improvement of international legal mechanisms of cooperation in the sphere of security and defence.It must be stressed that none of such threats can't be liquidated with military means exclusively. It is necessary to use a certain set of instruments to counteract each of such threats which the EU has, they are: common operations on disarmament; humanitarian and rescuing operations, granting of military advice and help, prevention of conflicts and peace support and others. Besides, though the regional conflicts first of all need political decisions, the necessity in military means can appear at any stage of the conflict. It must be mentioned, that the EU has different instruments on its disposal, to react at such many-sided situations. This day a system of bodies has been formed, to support the EU defence policy realization. Besides, the constant structural cooperation within the Union has been settled for the EU member-states whose military potential satisfies the highest criteria, and who have close obligations in this sphere concerning each other (PESKO).At the same time, the systems analysis of the current state of security system legal control in the context of global challenges and threats nowadays, and the real ability to resist them in dependently, gives the opportunity to confirm that the European Union, as an independent player in the European security architecture, is on its phase of formation today. ; Анализируются современные угрозы и вызовы системе европейской безопасности и их влияние на развитие международно-правового сотрудничества государств-членов Европейского Союза в сфере обороны. Определяется роль Европейского Союза в архитектуре европейской безопасности. Акцентируется внимание на постепенных шагах Европейского Союза в направлении перехода с позиции «потребителя» безопасности на позицию, достичь которой стремится европейское сообщество – «творца» безопасности. Исследованы основные международно-правовые механизмы сотрудничества государств-членов Европейского Союза в сфере обороны. Рассмотрены перспективы дальнейшего усиления сотрудничества в оборонной сфере на уровне ЕС. ; Проаналізовано сучасні загрози та виклики системі європейської безпеки та їхній вплив на розвиток міжнародно-правового співробітництва держав-членів Європейського Союзу у оборонній сфері. З'ясовано роль Європейського Союзу в архітектурі європейської безпеки. Акцентовано увагу на поступових кроках Європейського Союзу в напрямку переходу з позиції «споживача» безпеки на позицію, досягти якої прагне європейська спільнота – «творця» безпеки. Досліджено основні міжнародно-правові механізми співробітництва держав-членів Європейського Союзу в сфері оборони. Розглянуто перспективи подальшого посилення співпраці в оборонній сфері на рівні ЄС.

Abstract
Has the United States been trying to contain China? If so, why now? Still, proponents of Chinese containment have been critical of the United States' continued fixation with Russia - a declining state - arguing that this diversion undermines a focused Chinacentric strategy. This is not the first time that U.S. strategic attention has been diverted from China. Back in 2001, U.S. Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, embarked on an ambitious endeavor to revise U.S. grand strategy and focus on China which was perceived as the sole state capable of becoming a peer rival to the United States. However, following the tragic events of 11 September 2001, the Bush administration redirected its focus away from great power antagonism with China towards the Global War on Terror. Could any political scientist, speculating upon the direction of American grand strategy in the summer of 2001, by any accounts have foreseen that the United States would waste significant strategic capital in pursuing terrorists in Afghanistan and promoting democracy in the Middle East over the next decade? Nowadays, could any political theorist in December 2021 have foreseen that the United States would drive Russia into the open arms of China and create Mackinder's Eurasian nightmare? Classical realism may have the best answers. Jonathan Kirshner's latest treatise explains why past is more than prologue and how classical realism is superior to other "realisms" in providing the most authoritative insights about the complex strategic behavior of states.

Temporary international relocation initiatives (TIRIs) for artists and cultural workers are a form of international solidarity. Yet they are embedded in a context shaped by colonial history and global North-South power dynamics. In this report, the authors draw on the experiences of relocated artists as well as those of team members within TIRIs and host organisations to examine if TIRIs are currently equipped to identify power asymmetries, injustice, discrimination and racism at individual, institutional and structural levels and to effectively mitigate them. Finally, they develop holistic practical recommendations for greater equity and justice as well as an anti-racist approach for TIRIs and host organisations. This report addresses decision-makers and teams in TIRIs and host organisations, arts institutions, funders and policymakers. Both recognizing the existence of structural, systemic and individual injustice, racism and discrimination, and contributing to their eradication requires discomfort and constant self-reflection. Therefore, this report is an exercise in sitting with discomfort. The authors see this discomfort as a catalyst for change processes - an engine to sustain pressure to enact this change that cannot simply be dissolved by individual action. The summary report can be downloaded here: https://doi.org/10.17901/akbp1.23.2022

Temporary international relocation initiatives (TIRIs) for artists and cultural workers are a form of international solidarity. Yet they are embedded in a context shaped by colonial history and global North-South power dynamics. In this report, the authors draw on the experiences of relocated artists as well as those of team members within TIRIs and host organisations to examine if TIRIs are currently equipped to identify power asymmetries, injustice, discrimination and racism at individual, institutional and structural levels and to effectively mitigate them. Finally, they develop holistic practical recommendations for greater equity and justice as well as an anti-racist approach for TIRIs and host organisations. This report addresses decision-makers and teams in TIRIs and host organisations, arts institutions, funders and policymakers. Both recognizing the existence of structural, systemic and individual injustice, racism and discrimination, and contributing to their eradication requires discomfort and constant self-reflection. Therefore, this report is an exercise in sitting with discomfort. The authors see this discomfort as a catalyst for change processes - an engine to sustain pressure to enact this change that cannot simply be dissolved by individual action. The full report can be downloaded here: https://doi.org/10.17901/akbp1.22.2022

Syria's civil war has long since been decided in favour of the regime. There is no prospect of a negotiated settlement, reconciliation or lasting stabilisation. Syria faces enormous challenges, well beyond the rebuilding of infra­structure and housing. It will also need assistance to restart its economy, stabilise its currency and renew its public services, in particular education, health, electricity and water. The funds required for comprehensive reconstruction are extremely un­likely to become available, given the attitude of the Syrian leadership, the economic ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the geopolitical interests of regional and global powers. Nor are resources likely to be deployed in line with the needs of the population. The EU and its member states have made engagement in Syria's reconstruc­tion conditional on viable steps towards a negotiated conflict settle­ment and a political opening. They should adapt their approach to align better with the current realities and challenges on the ground. That means in particular targeting humanitarian aid more effectively, dismantling certain sectoral sanctions and supporting the rehabilitation of basic infrastructure - even in areas controlled by the Syrian government. This would represent a more effective contribution to improving living conditions and avoiding further erosion of public services. Lasting stabilisation will require fundamental reforms. In this vein, Brus­sels should spell out its "more for more" approach. Europe should refrain from normalising relations with the top leaders of the Assad regime and instead step up its support for prosecution of war crimes, grave human rights violations and the use of internationally banned weapons. (author's abstract)

A global trend in recent years is the so-called digitalization of crime, that is, the use of information technology as a means and instrument of crime. Remote methods of committing crimes have become widespread, in which direct contact is excluded not only between the offender and the victim, but also between the accomplices of illegal activities. The real damage from cybercrimes is currently difficult to calculate, while the number of these crimes is growing rapidly from year to year. This study analyzes the state and dynamics of crimes in the field of information technology, as well as identifies gaps in legislation, law enforcement practice and accounting in which information about crimes of this type is accumulated. Purpose of the research. The purpose of the research is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the state and dynamics of crimes in the field of information technology. Within the framework of the article, it is necessary to give a definition of crimes in the field of information technology for the purpose of conducting static analysis, while distinguishing between identical concepts. Highlight the main types and methods of their commission, form the classification of crimes in the field of information technology and designate the criteria for their construction. Analyze the experience of foreign countries and the results of the operational activities of the economic security and anti-corruption units of the territorial internal affairs bodies and suggest measures to improve the efficiency of the work being done.Materials and methods. When writing the work, the author used the methods of mathematical statistics; methods of the general theory of statistics, namely, relative, absolute and average values, methods of synthesis and analysis. For visual display of statistical data, graphical and tabular methods of data visualization were used. The information and empirical base was compiled by data on crimes in this area of the Main Information and Analytical Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, the Judicial Department under the Supreme Court and the General Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation.Results of the research. When writing the article, a quantitative assessment of the state of crime in the field of information technology was made, the main objects of attack by cybercriminals were identified; the most characteristic features and methods of committing crimes in the field of information technology were described. A statistical classification system for assessing the level of cybercrime is proposed. The effectiveness of the work carried out by law enforcement agencies to counter these criminal manifestations has been analyzed. Various ways of increasing the efficiency of the work of law enforcement agencies are proposed. When analyzing the law enforcement practice, a number of problems were identified related to the proof of crimes of this orientation, namely, insufficient interaction between law enforcement agencies, on the one hand, and financial institutions, telecommunication service providers, on the other hand.Conclusion. The author proposes ways to improve the quality of the verification measures to identify persons involved in the commission of crimes in the field of information technology, as well as to assess the effectiveness of economic security and anti-corruption units of territorial internal affairs bodies in identifying this category of crimes. These measures are not exhaustive; in order to increase the effectiveness of countering cybercriminals, it is necessary to apply a systematic approach aimed not only at improving the quality of the work of law enforcement and investigative agencies, improving the software system and material and technical equipment, but also improving information support of the banking sector, increasing bank response measures, and most importantly, the literacy of the population. ; Общемировой тенденцией последних лет является так называемая цифровизация преступности, то есть использование информационных технологий в качестве средства и орудия совершения преступления. Широкое распространение получили дистанционные способы совершения преступлений, при которых исключается прямой контакт не только между преступником и потерпевшим, но и между соучастниками противоправной деятельности. Реальный ущерб от киберпреступлений в настоящее время подсчитать сложно, при этом количество данных преступлений растет из года в год быстрыми темпами. В данном исследовании проведен анализ состояния и динамики преступлений в сфере информационных технологий, а также определены пробелы в законодательстве, правоприменительной практике и учетах в которых аккумулируется информация о преступлениях данной направленности.Цель исследования: Целью исследования является проведение всестороннего анализа состояния и динамики преступлений в сфере информационных технологий. В рамках статьи необходимо дать определение преступлениям в сфере информационных технологий для целей проведения статического анализа, при этом разграничить тождественные понятия. Выделить основные виды и способы их совершения, сформировать классификации преступлений в сфере информационных технологий и обозначить критерии их построения. Проанализировать опыт зарубежных стран и результаты оперативно-служебной деятельности подразделений экономической безопасности и противодействия коррупции территориальных органов внутренних дел и предложены меры по повышению эффективности проводимой работы. Материалы и методы: при написании работы автором использовались методы математической статистики; методы общей теории статистики, а именно относительных, абсолютных и средних величин, методы синтеза и анализа. Для наглядного отображения статистических данных применялись графический и табличный методы визуализации данных. Информационно-эмпирическую базу составили данные о преступлениях в указанной сфере Главного информационно-аналитического центра МВД России, Судебного департамента при Верховном Суде и Генеральной прокуратурой Российской Федерации.Результаты исследования: при написании статьи произведена количественная оценка состояния преступности в сфере информационных технологий, выделены основные объекты посягательства киберпреступников, описаны наиболее характерные черты и способы совершения преступлений в сфере информационных технологий. Предложена система статистических классификация для оценки уровня киберпреступности. Проанализирована эффективность работы проводимой правоохранительными органами по противодействию данным преступным проявлениям. Предложены различные пути повышения эффективности работы правоохранительных органов. При анализе правоприменительной практики выявлен ряд проблем, связанных с доказыванием преступлений указанной направленности, а именно недостаточным взаимодействием между правоохранительными органами с одной стороны и кредитно-финансовыми учреждениям, провайдерами телекоммуникационных услуг с другой стороны.Заключение. Автором предложены пути повышения качества проводимых проверочных мероприятий по установлению лиц, причастных к совершению преступлений в области информационных технологий, а также оценки эффективности подразделений экономической безопасности и противодействия коррупции территориальных органов внутренних дел по выявлению данной категории преступлений. Данные меры не являются исчерпывающими, с целью повышения эффективности противодействия киберпреступникам необходимо применять системный подход, направленный не только на повышения качества работы правоохранительных и следственных органов, совершенствованием программного комплекса и материально-технического оснащения, но и улучшать информационное обеспечение банковской сферы, повышать меры банковского реагирования, а самое важное грамотность населения.

The Agbiotech Bulletin Volume 3, Issue 6, June, 1995 Code Number: NL95024 Sizes of Files: Text: 50K No associated graphics Minding the Store: Regulating Agbiotech Agriculture and food regulators are often the 'man in the middle' castigated by interest groups for being too lenient and harangued by industry for being too slow and demanding. But over the years of minding the store, the regulatory system has definitely 'produced the goods'. News PGS International Announces Canadian Canola Approvals Plant Genetic Systems (PGS) International has announced that its new hybrid canola varieties have received environmental and feed safety clearance from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. This approval follows last year's clearance of the variety by Health Canada. Novel Beef-Breeding Strategy Explored at Brandon Biotech Developments at Guelph Artificial 'seeds' are being developed for the $500 million dollar herb industry in North America by University of Guelph researchers. New Ethanol Facilities Opening A 50 million litre per year ethanol plant will be built in Cornwall, Ontario by Seaway Valley Farmers Energy Co-op. Canada To Aid Rwandan Research Reconstruction Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has launched a two-year, $500,000 project to assist the national reconstruction of Rwanda in the wake of civil war. Fast Plants Developed A Brassica rapa variety developed by interbreeding the 'fastest' species of Brassica accessions in the USDA's National Germplasm System flowers in 14 days and completes seed production in 35 days. Delay on rbST Ends on Canada Day The one year voluntary delay on the sale of rbST in Canada ends on July 1 of this year, however, sale of the recombinant cattle hormone will not commence unless the product has been given official Notice of Compliance by Health Canada by that date. Biotech Institute Launched in Singapore The newly-established Institute of Molecular Agrobiology (IMA) in Singapore is intended as a focal point for world-class research at the genetic and molecular levels. Events Public Expectation and the Corporate Sector Biotech Commercialization in Developing Countries. American Plant Physiologists Annual Meeting Engineering Plants for Commercial Products AgBiotech International Conference (ABIC) in Saskatoon 4TH International Conference on Plant Genetic Resources Trends The Research University in the 21st Century Fundamental changes in the nature of world society, such as the end of the cold war, are redirecting the course of universities, according to Paul Schimmel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Alliances Canada-Latin American Initiative on Biotech Take Some Canola and Call Me in the Morning Tech Transfer AgCanada Expanding TechTransfer Activities New Environment for Research Support Agricultural research today is subject to a new set of ground rules. More Business Savvy Needed The stronger market orientation of agricultural research today necessitates that scientists develop more business savvy, says Yassa. 'Scientists must learn to function in a market-driven economy. They have to understand current business principles and problems.' Plant Transformation by Gene Transfer into Pollen British Technology Group (BTG) USA is entertaining discussions with regard to the licensing of a technology that allows for the production of transformed plants from seeds that have been produced by pollination using transformed pollen. Finance Saskatchewan Backs R&D Initiatives Saskatchewan's economic development strategy is placing renewed emphasis on R&D initiatives, including biotechnology. Western Economic Development Initiatives A number of initiatives of interest to the biotech sector have emerged from the new approach to economic development in the West announced by Western Development (WD) Minister Lloyd Axworthy in response to the recent federal budget. Royal Facilitates Exporter's Collection Process An easy-to-use service provided by the Royal Bank helps Canadian exporters prepare direct collection orders. Foreign Affairs Launches Electronic Trade Service The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has initiated a BBS project. New Contracting Process at CIDA The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has established a new process aimed at allowing more Canadians an opportunity to apply for contracts involving international development activities. Issues Issues Around Patents Assessed People, Plants and Patents is a new book on the impact of intellectual property on trade, plant biodiversity and rural society. Attitudes Consultation on Biotechnology Proposed A major process of public consultation on biotechnology has been proposed by a stakeholders group convened by the federal government's interdepartmental working group on biotechnology. Industry Needs Strategy to Boost Acceptance of Biotech Canadians are generally unaware of biotechnology, according to Rick Walter of the Canadian Institute of Biotechnology. Legal Notes Plant Protection Regulations Amended Amendments being proposed for regulations under the federal Plant Protection Act would affect the import and export of biologicals, seeds, plants, grain and pests, among other products. Brown Bag Sales Clarified by US Court A recent US Supreme Court decision (Asgrow vs. Winterboer) will be of interest to plant breeders. European Patent Developments The European Parliament voted in March against a directive which would have allowed the patenting of genetically-altered organisms, according to a report in SeedTrade News. Resources Biotech Educational Materials Available Canadian Ed Centres in Asia Nearly 100,000 foreign students the majority from Asia choose to study in Canada each year. They contribute $3 billion to the Canadian economy and help to generate some 19,000 jobs within Canada. Report of the rBST Task Force The Review of the Potential Impact of Recombinant Bovine Somatatropin in Canada has been completed and is available for review. Biotech & Plant Cultures Reviewed Biotechnological Applications of Plant Cultures is a new publication which presents the most updated reviews on current techniques in plant cultures. Getting Ready to Go Global The Management Development Initiative (MDI) is part of Getting Ready to Go Global, a campaign to improve the competitiveness of Canadian food and beverage processors in domestic and export markets. Evaluating Traditional Environmental Knowledge The book Capturing Traditional Environmental Knowledge is a product of an unusual workshop held in the Northwest Territories. People Watch Copyright 1995 Agbiotech Bulletins