Vaccine innovation model: A technology transfer perspective in pandemic contexts

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health and Epidemiology
• Innovation Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid vaccine development and production.
• Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz played a crucial role in manufacturing the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in Brazil.
• Understanding the innovation process is key to improving pandemic response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify innovations enabling rapid vaccine production in Brazil.
• To present a case-based model of innovation in vaccine manufacturing.
• To support the Outbreak Paradigm for vaccine research and development.

Main Methods:

• Development of a case-based innovation model.
• Analysis of 11 workstreams, 32 stages, 22 gates, 11 innovations, and 38 events.
• Identification of firm- and government-level innovations.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive innovation model for vaccine production was established.
• Key innovations significantly reduced the time-to-market for the COVID-19 vaccine in Brazil.
• Empirical evidence was provided to support the Outbreak Paradigm.

Conclusions:

• Firm and government innovations are critical for accelerating vaccine time-to-market during pandemics.
• The proposed model offers a framework for analyzing vaccine value chains and technology transfer.
• The study contributes to a better understanding of pandemic preparedness and response strategies.