Doing science together: Gaining momentum from long-term explorative university-industry research programs

Area of Science:

• Biopharmaceutical research
• Academic-industry partnerships
• Collaborative science

Background:

• University-industry interactions can be intensified through 'doing science together' collaborations.
• These collaborations involve mutual involvement and active participation of academic and company scientists.
• Long-term, explorative research programs require a strategic approach to unlock full potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the successful approach of AstraZeneca, Karolinska Institutet, and Uppsala University in collaborative research programs.
• To identify the key governance mechanisms enabling successful long-term, explorative research collaborations.
• To understand how to leverage the strengths of academic and industry partners.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a successful university-industry collaboration model.
• Identification of three core collaborative governance mechanisms (3MCs).
• Examination of mutual involvement and active participation in scientific research.

Main Results:

• Successful long-term, explorative research programs were achieved through a specific collaborative approach.
• Three collaborative governance mechanisms (3MCs) were identified as crucial for success.
• These mechanisms foster mutual collaboration, mutually beneficial science, and shared governance.

Conclusions:

• The 'doing science together' model, exemplified by AstraZeneca and its academic partners, offers a successful framework for intense university-industry collaboration.
• Three collaborative governance mechanisms (3MCs) are essential for leveraging partner strengths and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Effective governance with senior management involvement is key to unlocking the full potential of collaborative research programs.