Regulating Genetic Information in Germany and Israel: Towards a Policy Network Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This article explores genetic information and database policy-making in Germany and Israel using policy network analysis. The article demonstrates that the policy network model could be a useful heuristic device for analyzing the complex relationships between government and non-governmental actors involved in formulating regulations within the context of a fast-changing area such as that of genetic information testing and databases. The comparative analysis of Israeli and German regulation of genetic information has shown that issue networks have been conducive to statutory regulation in genetic information policy domains such as privacy protection and non-discrimination. Thus, this article raises the need to widen the scope of statutory legislation of genetic information to include benefit-sharing guidelines to justify the voluntary participation of individuals and communities, without which genetic information databases could not exist.