From Science to Business – Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Biotechnology
Theory: 2 hours/week | Tutorials: 1 hour/week | ECTS Units: 3
Tutoring in the English language is offered to Erasmus students
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will have developed competencies in terms of:
- Understanding the context of innovation and entrepreneurship and their importance in today’s globalized economy and society.
- The generation, development and introduction of innovative and risky new business ideas.
- To assess the degree of attraction and feasibility of new business opportunities.
- The analysis of sectors, markets and competitors.
- Understanding the biotechnology sector and other economic activities with which it interacts.
- Knowledge of the commercialization and management processes of the enterprises industry.
- To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of public and private financing of start-ups.
- The application of key strategies, tools and skill sets of the enterprises sector.
- Theoretical and practical knowledge along the overall institutional and regulatory framework (public procurement, regulatory authorities, protection laws).
- An understanding of how discoveries and inventions are commercialized.
- An understanding and knowledge of the fundamentals of innovation and entrepreneurship in a broader context and in relation to the field of study and research.
- An understanding of the functioning of the innovation system and its key players.
- The aspects involved, and the processes involved in turning research output into a commercial product.
- The protection, development and management of intellectual property.
- The scientific and commercial aspects in the strategies for securing and valuing intellectual property.
- The models for selling and licensing intellectual property.
- Business development: Intellectual property, business plan, financing.
Syllabus
Part A: Creating a business idea
The birth of an idea is an important and demanding process, but only the beginning for any future entrepreneur. The task is to develop an idea into a promising opportunity through innovative thinking, market research, competitor analysis and dynamic business modeling. Part A of the course introduces students to the concepts of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, the process of idea generation, identifying and identifying opportunities, valuing ideas, and analyzing the industry, market and competitors.
Part B: From science to business – Issues in biotechnology
Part B of the course focuses on the development and management of biotechnology businesses, more specifically on the commercialization of discoveries and inventions, start-ups, venture capital, business expansion and exit.
Part C: Protection and commercialization of biotechnological inventions
The modules and issues to be examined in the course cover the following:
- Protection and patenting:
- Basic principles and procedures.
- National and international institutional framework, regulations; rules and practices.
- Similarities and differences between the European and American institutional framework and practices.
- Differences and similarities between European and national legislation and legal and regulatory frameworks, differences and similarities between European and national laws and regulations:
- Scientific and commercial issues.
- Ways and mechanisms for developing intellectual property strategies to accelerate the innovation process and secure investment in intellectual property.
- Managing intellectual property litigation, infringement and enforcement.
- Licensing models and methods and negotiation strategies.
- Clinical trial:
- Design, implementation, analysis and presentation of clinical trials, business development in Biotechnology and Medical Technology sciences.
- Strategy and organization when transferring a scientific idea into a commercial product/business.
- Business plan development, market analysis, venture capital.
Student performance evaluation
Written examinations at the end of the semester, which include questions on knowledge and understanding of the course content, as well as problem solving.
Suggested bibliography
- Creating Start-ups. Entrepreneurship for the 21st Century. Authors: Spinelli Stephen, Jr., Adams Robert, Papadakis Vasilios. Translators: Panagiotis Kakaletris, Nikos Roussos, Antonia Labaki. Editor: Vassilios M. Papadakis.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship. Authors: John Bessand, Joe Tidd. Publisher: Giola. Year of publication: 2016.
- The challenge of doing business. Author: Irene Voudouri. Publisher: I. Sideris Publications. Series: Best Greek Business Practices, Greek Business Case Studies. Year of publication: 2005.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Theory – Practice. Authors: Karagiannis, G.H. Bakuros, L.I. Publisher: SOFIA Publications. Year of publication: 2010.
- Authors: Mark Freel, David Deakins. Publisher: Kritiki. Series: Business/Management. Year of publication: 2007.
- Entrepreneurship and innovation – From start-up to management and survival of the new business. Authors: George T. Hadjikonstantinou, Hercules I. Goniadis. Publisher: Gutenberg – George & Costas Dardanos. Year of publication: 2009.
Teaching Material / E-class
Lecturers
Demetres Leonidas D. (Course Coordinator)
