A Tidal Wave of Inevitable Data? Assetization in the Consumer Genomics Testing Industry

Geiger, Susi and Gross, Nicole (2019) A Tidal Wave of Inevitable Data? Assetization in the Consumer Genomics Testing Industry. Business & Society, 60 (3). pp. 614-649. ISSN 1552-4205

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Abstract

We bring together recent discussions on data capitalism and biocapitalization by studying value flows in consumer genomics firms—an industry at the intersection between health care and technology realms. Consumer genomics companies market genomic testing services to consumers as a source of fun, altruism, belonging and knowledge. But by maintaining a multisided or platform business model, these firms also engage in digital capitalism, creating financial profit from data brokerage. This is a precarious balance to strike: If these companies’ business models consist of assetizing the pool of genomic data that they assemble, then part of their work has to revolve around obscuring to consumers any uncertainties that would potentially impinge on these processes of assemblage. We reflect on the nature of these practices and the market relationships that enable them, and we relate this reflection to debates around alternative market arrangements that would potentially mitigate the extractive tendencies of these and other digital health firms.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Assetization; biocapital; consumer Genomics; data capitalism; digital health; healthcare market
Subjects:	K Law > KDK Republic of Ireland > Data Protection R Medicine > Healthcare Industry
Divisions:	School of Business > Staff Research and Publications
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2019 10:39
Last Modified:	13 May 2022 09:47
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/3575

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