The biotechnology industry is influenced by scientific abilities, the need to raise funds and be profitable, by regulatory burdens and incentives, and by political hindrances and support. For all the publications covering the business of biotechnology, there is no one source which focuses on investigating the fundamentals and best practices of managing these diverse influences. Those operating within the industry – whether within biotechnology companies or in associated supportive roles – are challenged to keep abreast of industry developments and understand their significance. Understanding the fundamentals of the business of biotechnology and learning how to manage biotechnology business development is my passion, and that is where I would like to direct the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology.
I have written extensively on biotechnology. I created and managed one of the first websites on the business of biotechnology, which was selected by Forbes as 'Best of the Web'; I am author of Building Biotechnology, a text on the business of biotechnology being used at many schools; and I have also published and spoken extensively on topics ranging from the genesis of biotechnology in the United States to developing regional biotechnology industries in the absence of the seemingly requisite ingredients: strong funding, management, and knowledge bases. I look forward to continuing my dissection of the biotechnology industry at the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology with the support of our strong editorial advisory board and author and readership bases.
I have a lot of ideas that I would like to implement at the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology. My intent is not to make any sudden or extreme changes, but rather to build upon the strong existing foundation. I have tapped a number of trusted colleagues to join the editorial advisory board and contribute their thoughts and networks. I have also been actively searching for authors with unique insights on the industry. I look forward to continuing the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology's role as a leading source of both novel scholarly research and actionable information supporting decision-makers, and I also want to strengthen the appeal by encouraging papers asking innovative questions and addressing novel topics.
Biotechnology industries exist around the world. The diversity of laws, regulations, and costs, combined with the growing ease of international transactions, enables arbitrage based on legal rights, regulatory systems, and operational costs. My joining the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology reinforces the international scope of the journal by adding a new base in Washington, DC, in addition to the existing UK home offices, and I hope to combine the journal's existing resources with my own North American and international contacts and perspectives to ensure broad coverage of biotechnology. Not just in established regions, but in growing ones as well.
I hope you enjoy this, my first issue, and I look forward to continuing a productive dialogue. If you have any comments on the journal, or on any of the papers published within, I welcome your comments at JCBEditor@palgrave.com.
