Course 2015-2016 a.y.

Classes: 31 (I sem.)

Instructors:
Class 31: FABIO MONTOBBIO

The course studies innovation and competition in the life sciences sector, a sector that is considered revolutionary and extremely important for the social and economic prosperity of modern countries. This sector has a very rapid economic growth, is highly research intensive, heavily regulated and involves companies in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and biomedical technologies. This innovation has applications in a variety of fields, from new therapies to agriculture, spanning over the traditional industry boundaries. The management of innovation in the life sciences sector involves interactions with a set of public and private research organizations and a careful handling of intellectual property rights. Innovation and competition in the life sciences sector raise also key societal and ethical challenges that involve advanced and developing countries (e.g. genetics, biodiversity, vaccines etc.). Examples of the most relevant dynamics and controversies in the sector are discussed through case studies, with a specific attention to new business models, regulation, intellectual property and knowledge transfer policies. The course is based on class work (presentation and discussions) and benefits from the contribution of practitioners, international organizations (UN, WIPO, EPO) and experts.

• The pharmaceutical industry: origins and its evolution, main functions within pharmaceutical companies.
• The biotechnology revolution in medicine and agriculture and the birth of the life sciences sector.
• The bio-pharmaceutical industry: new business models, financing mechanisms for start-ups, managerial competences in start-ups.
• The industry of genetically modified food: main issues and controversies.
• Business challenges in the life sciences sector: new advanced therapies (regenerative medicine, stem cells and genetic test).
• The global governance of intellectual property in life-science.
• Intellectual property and technology transfer in life-science.
• Issues and legal controversies associated with patenting in the life science sector.

Case studies.

The course is organized in two main parts. Attending students have to present group works, accounting for 2/3 of the final mark. One third of the mark is based on the final written examination. Class participation in the discussion of the case studies and of other students’ presentations is also taken into consideration.

For non attending students:

The students not attending the course have to elaborate a written exam based on the references of the course.