Title: Knowledge-based industry after market liberalisation: the case of the local pharmaceutical industry in Central and Eastern Europe

Authors: Andrej Bertoncelj, Mateja Dermastia, Dragan Kesic

Addresses: Carynthia Group Ltd., Lobodova 17, 1236 Trzin, Slovenia. ' Anteja ECG Ltd., Lambergarjeva 8, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. ' Carynthia Group Ltd., Lobodova 17, 1236 Trzin, Slovenia

Abstract: Research of the strategic aspects of the generic pharmaceutical industry in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) suggests that generic pharmaceutical companies have neglected technological innovation capability, market orientation and performance and have underestimated the process of globalisation. This has resulted in deteriorated performance and lost competitiveness. A recommended approach to improve the situation is competence-based development cooperation in the form of horizontal networks of regional technological hubs, within the capabilities and limitations of each country. However, this approach departs from traditional production and R&D capacity building and is beyond the current political and economic considerations of individual companies and governments.

Keywords: pharmaceutical industry; generic medicines; innovation; high-tech industry; technological innovation; innovation capability; new products pipeline; acquisitions; globalisation; scientific clusters; Central and Eastern Europe; CEE; market orientation; competence-based development; cooperation; horizontal networks; regional hubs; technological hubs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTG.2007.014336

International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 2007 Vol.3 No.2/3, pp.263 - 277

Published online: 02 Jul 2007 *

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