Barriers to US industrial biotechnology research consortia

Abstract

In 1986–1987, the research directors of major and medium-sized US biotechnology companies agreed on the wisdom of developing cooperative research arrangements in protein engineering, bioprocess and large-scale animal cell culture technologies. However, upper-level corporate managers were not convinced that collaborative approaches would be essential for the maintenance of longterm competitiveness of the US biotechnology industry. Now that cooperative research efforts in Japan and Europe are beginning to challenge US supremacy in biotechnology, the prospect of US industry consortia may be viewed in a kinder light. We believe that the US government has a key role to play in providing both financial and logistical support.