Innovation Processes in Genomics Industry Sectors

Genomics-based innovation is fundamentally restructuring the nature of traditional scientific research, and its commercial utility, in both public and private sector organisations. Evidence for this can be observed through the complex re-alignments that are taking place in the pharmaceutical and agro-biotechnology sectors, and the evolving, as well as devolving, networks that are beginning to define and shape new relationships within and between companies. Interactions between relevant actors (scientists, managers, policymakers etc) are also becoming increasingly volatile, and the traditional relationship between product discovery and marketing is undergoing profound change. The primary aim of this project is to explore the nature, direction and management of innovation processes in the pharmaceutical and agro-biotechnology sectors, and generate greater understanding of the complex and diverse strategies employed by various actors within these sectors as they attempt to both direct the trajectory of the science and technology, as well as mould the regulatory/policy environment in such a way that a vibrant commercial market can be sustained. The purpose of this position paper will be to set out some of the broader substantive theoretical and empirical issues relevant to this project, and elucidate some preliminary research strategies. A very broad literature will be critically evaluated. The paper will begin by enumerating a number of relevant theoretical and empirical issues and questions that may provide useful foci for the research. (This paper will concentrate predominantly on the pharmaceutical industry, although the general project will also include analysis of the agro-biotech sector and its various value chains) Next, some of the normative issues will be discussed in greater detail. Finally, a short summary of the methodological approaches that will be used to explore these issues will be provided.