BIOTECHNOLOGY AND CYCLE OF REPLACEMENT: ECONOMIC INCENTIVES AND ETHICAL RISK

Abstract

Planned obsolescence is typically associated with consumer electronics and industrial manufacturing, where products are intentionally designed to become outdated or nonfunctional after a certain period. In biotechnology, however, planned obsolescence manifests through more complex mechanisms involving patented biological systems, proprietary laboratory technologies, pharmaceutical reformulations and recurring dependency on genetic or diagnostic platforms. This article examines the emergence of planned obsolescence within biotechnology and evaluates its scientific, economic and ethical implications. The results indicate that  biotechnology companies increasingly rely on upgrade cycles, subscription-based research systems and restricted biological ownership models that parallel traditional industrial obsolescence strategies. This discussion highlights the consequences for healthcare
accessibility, scientific independence, agricultural sustainability and global inequality. The article concludes that while technological advancement remains essential for innovation, stronger regulatory oversight, open-source biotechnology initiatives and interoperable scientific platforms are necessary to prevent excessive technological dependency and the monopolization of biological resources.