Norwegian Biotechnologies in International Relations: Scientific Cooperation, Bioethics, Biosafety, and the Role of the Church

<jats:p>The article examines the role of Norwegian biotechnologies in Norway’s international politics. To reveal the Norwegian model special features, specific comparisons with Denmark’s and Iceland’s experiences are em-ployed with regard to their «membership» in the united northern socio-cultural area; at the same time, these countries exhibit variable models of biotechnology regulation. It shows that Norway acts not only as a partici-pant in the international biotechnological exchange, but also as an actor shaping the normative approaches to the responsible use of biotechnologies. Particular attention is paid to the national bioethical regulatory model based on the interaction of human rights, the respect for human dignity, and expert advisory mechanisms. The paper also considers Norway’s participation in the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol (2009) on Bi-osafety and international regimes governing living modified organisms. A separate section focuses on the role of the Church of Norway in bioethical debates where this appears as a social moral actor. It is concluded that the Norwegian model combines scientific openness, international cooperation, and advanced control enabling to strengthen the country’s positions in the global biotechnology governance system.</jats:p>