Biotechnology : are firms born great or can you build greatness?

Abstract

The importance of "star scientists" in new biotechnology venture formation has been studied by many scholars. However, it is not clear to degree to which their involvement leads to a successful venture. This study examines the importance of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), management and venture capital firms during new biotechnology venture creation. In particular, this study has determined if MIT and MIT-Harvard licensed technology companies are able to attract SAB members from top institutions, Board of Directors and CEOs from top pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies as well as top-tier venture capital firms, compared to other biotechnology start-ups in Massachusetts. The results of the study confirm that MIT-Harvard licensed technology companies are able to attract top tier people and venture capital investment during an economic boom as well as the downturn, and this reinforces the proposition that firms are "born" great, rather then achieve greatness at least in terms of the constellation of people who join the firm.