The Interplay of Standardization and Research: Evidence from the Biotechnology Industry

Abstract

In the past, research in standardization has often focused on compatibility of new products from a market perspective. With regard to basic research, standardization is regarded as a catalyst which facilitates technology transfers, but few studies have examined the interdependencies between standardization and research. It remains to be resolved what drives standardization and who is involved in standardization along the research process. This paper investigates the characteristics of standards which assist technology transfers in biotechnology. We point out that the biotechnology industry relies on evolving standards in early research stages and continuous adoption to the technological progress. Despite recent findings with regard to formal standards linked to commercialization we show that community-driven standards are a complementary standardization tool which is mainly used in basic research. Furthermore, we find that within basic research articles related to standards are used more often than their closest peer group in terms of forward citations. Scientists relying on standards are more productive than their peer group in terms of forward citations. In addition, the negative binomial model reveals that especially interface standards are most valuable to future research.