Driving innovation in biotechnology with Private-Public Partnerships: A Singapore perspective

Abstract

Public and private sector institutions share different goals and perspectives, but they can form a formidable innovation drive when they join forces. Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs), common in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, are entities where interactions and integrated innovation can take place to serve business and societal goals. In this perspective, we examine how PPPs function in the life sciences sector, and how they differ from other models of private-public cooperation. We examine two successful examples of PPPs in the Singaporean biomedical field. Finally, we look into the role PPPs can have in the development of future biotechnology applications, as one of the ways small(er) countries can develop significant bioengineering competencies and translate scientific research into real-life applications.