Basic science as a prescription for breakthrough inventions in the pharmaceutical industry
Della Malva, Antonio Kelchtermans, Stijn Leten, Bart Veugelers, Reinhilde
Della Malva, Antonio
Kelchtermans, Stijn
Leten, Bart
Veugelers, Reinhilde
Citations
Altmetric:
Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2015
Journal
Journal of Technology Transfer
Book
Publication Volume
40
Publication Issue
4
Publication Begin page
670
Publication End page
695
Publication NUmber of pages
Collections
Abstract
This analysis contributes to the understanding of the role of basic science in generating breakthrough inventions in the pharmaceutical industry. Recognizing the within-firm heterogeneity of inventive activities, we look not only at the firm level, but also at the firm-technology level for characteristics determining breakthroughs. A key finding is that firms pursuing basic science are more likely to produce breakthrough inventions. At the same time, doing more basic science in science disciplines that are closely linked to a given technology domain does not increase the likelihood of BTs in that particular technology. The insignificance of basic science intensity at the technology level, coupled to the significance at the firm level, suggests that the breakthrough rewards from science capacity are not reaped in the technology areas immediately involved in basic science, but in other areas of the technology portfolio of the firm. Our findings are consistent with the view of science as a map to span processes of local search and the wider applicability of scientific insights.
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Breakthrough Invention, Pharmaceutical Industry, Basic Science