AbstractMost European politicians know little about biotechnology, except that it is apparently important in any technological competition with the USA, Japan and elsewhere. The help with BST (it increases milk yields) illustrates this narrow-minded concept of beating the US and Japan. Yet it is a fine example of technology, not problems, being the driving force: much effort (and political and personal hardship) elsewhere in the Community is directed at reducing the surplus of milk production.BST also illustrates bureaucratic remoteness from the public; the only real pressures for it are national governments and the well organised industry. The problems of public control over biotechnology are deep; for instance, it is hard to find experts whose career prospects allow them to act independently.Evolution and genetic engineering is an awesome arena in which to seek technological revolutions and market leadership. Biotechnology should not be used to maintain and enforce industrial policies.