Basic vs applied research: new link, network and project governance. Lessons from four biotech research organizations.

Based on a qualitative research approach, this paper explores how four highly successful biotechnology organizations source their most critical input-scientific knowledge and integrate it inside. We find that scientists enter into large numbers of collaborative research efforts (frequently informal) with scientists at other organizations, especially universities. Formal market contracts are also used to govern these exchanges of scientific knowledge. Inside, the main job in integrating new information and knowledge, is carried up by few critical connectors. Our findings suggest that the reputation is the real, effective intangible resource at the base of these relational activities for value creation in all the cases.