Why Research Partnerships Fail in the Biotechnology Sector - An Empirical Analysis of Strategic Partnerships

Over half of all research-oriented partnerships in the biotechnology industry fail due to problems in inter-organizational relationships. The analysis of factors that determine the success of strategic partnerships can help companies to reduce the high failure rates. Based on the resource-oriented and relationship-oriented approach, this study examines the influence of three structural factors and three dynamic factors on the success of strategic, research-oriented partnerships in the biotechnology industry. In the empirical study, data of 48 research collaborations by 28 companies were collected and analyzed. The results confirm the significant influence of the factors "complementary resources", "operational compatibility", "bilateral exchange of information" and "opportunistic behavior". On the basis of these findings, companies can find approaches to influence the success of their own research collaborations. In particular, appropriate recommendations for action can be formulated in the areas of the structural design of partnerships and the dynamic exchange process.