The innovation dynamics of the biopharmaceutical industry: new theories about technological change in monoclonal antibodies development

Abstract

The main goal of this research internship abroad is to advance the theoretical and methodological framework dedicated to the study of the dynamics of innovation in the biopharmaceutical industry. It proposes a vast documentary research project focused on the analysis of new theories, concepts, methods and instruments to measure health innovation activity in industrialized countries. Among the tools investigated are those related to strategic technological alliances (STAs), networks, technological shocks and technological collaboration. These tools help to understand the recent institutional changes of pharmaceutical companies, in order to introduce new technological, production and market abilities in so-called monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). It is fundamental for advancing the main research project in Brazil (FAPESP grant #15/24133-5), which investigates how the new biopharmaceutical industry has required an institutional reconfiguration of national innovation systems to ensure greater dynamism in medical innovation. The internship will take place at New York University Stern School of Business, under the supervision of Prof. PhD. Melissa A. Schilling. The aim is to acquire the ability to critically analyze the innovation dynamics of the biopharmaceutical industry at a prestigious research center abroad, in order to enable the construction of academic competence on the subject at a research institution in the state of São Paulo.