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Industrial bioprocesses: beyond routine applications of established methodologies
1Bioprocess Research and Development, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, New Jersey, USA. beth_junker@merck.com
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Industrial research in biotechnology significantly advanced the field, influencing academic work and driving industry growth. This study analyzes trends in solely industrial publications in Biotechnology and Bioengineering over 50 years.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Industrial Research
- Scientific Publishing
Background:
- Industrial authors historically focus on commercially or regulatorily significant research.
- This industrial research has profoundly influenced academic publications, fostering rapid advancements.
- These advancements have culminated in the multi-billion dollar global biotechnology industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in "solely industrial" articles in Biotechnology and Bioengineering over the past five decades.
- To examine the distribution, frequency, authoring companies, and subject matter of these articles.
- To provide insights for future industrial contributions to the journal.
Main Methods:
- Defined "solely industrial" articles as those with all authors affiliated with industry.
- Collected data on article distribution, frequency, authoring companies, and subject classification.
- Correlated selected articles with historical and current technology milestones and challenges.
Main Results:
- Industrial articles have played a key role in the journal's history and the biotechnology sector's growth.
- Analysis revealed patterns in authoring companies and subject areas over time.
- The impact of industrial research on technological progress was evident.
Conclusions:
- Solely industrial articles in Biotechnology and Bioengineering have been pivotal in industry advancement.
- Understanding past trends can guide future strategic focus for industrial contributions.
- Recommendations are provided to enhance the impact and scope of industrial research in the journal's next decade.
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