"With a diminishing pipeline of new products, rising R&D expenses, blockbuster patents expiring and increased pricing pressures, large pharma companies are looking to buying-in both technology and new molecular entities as an alternative way to secure success. Biotech companies, on the other hand, are trying to secure higher value for their shareholders by postponing out-licensing until a more mature stage while academia's push to "go for it alone" exacerbates the problem.

What impact, including both advantages and risks, does the
convergence of abilities and cross-border collaborations have on encouraging value creation and innovation potential for these entities?"

Objective1:Outline the different needs of the various players: pharma companies, biotech start-ups and tech-transfer entities.

Objective2:Discuss the value-creation options for these companies.

Objective3:Identify new modes for financing, IP sources and the role of cross-border collaborations as a source of both innovation and capital.