# Acquire and license research knowledge

*/Processes/Acquire_and_license_research_knowledge*

## Digital Scalar

**Band**: digital
**Digital**: 0.85
**Rationale**: With no seeded child occupations available, this score relies on the process name and industry context. 'Acquire and license research knowledge' is an information-centric legal and business process centered on intellectual property assessment, negotiation, and contract drafting—cognitive tasks performed almost entirely via computers and document management systems.

## Process Profile

**Outcome**: Licensing agreements are executed and external research assets are integrated into the internal R&D portfolio.
**Trigger**: A strategic research gap or pipeline expansion opportunity requires external intellectual property or scientific data.
**Key Steps**:
- Identify R&D capability gaps and strategic IP needs
- Scout external academic institutions, biotech firms, and patent databases
- Conduct scientific, commercial, and legal due diligence on potential targets
- Negotiate licensing terms, milestone payments, and royalty structures
- Execute formal licensing and technology transfer agreements
- Ingest external data and research assets into internal R&D repositories
**Measured By**:
- [Time to Executed Agreement](/Metrics/Time_to_Executed_Agreement)
- [Cost per Licensing Deal](/Metrics/Cost_per_Licensing_Deal)
- [Licensing Return on Investment](/Metrics/Licensing_Return_on_Investment)
- [Volume of In-Licensed Assets](/Metrics/Volume_of_In-Licensed_Assets)

## Boundary Of Firm

**Outsourced To**:
- [Technology Transfer Office](/CompanyTypes/Technology_Transfer_Office)
- [Patent Brokerage](/CompanyTypes/Patent_Brokerage)
**Automatability**: assisted
**Routing Summary**:
- Identifying needed knowledge and negotiating license terms is kept in-house across research and development and legal.
- Sourcing and brokering external intellectual property is bought from technology transfer offices and patent brokers, with portfolio and obligation tracking automated in IP management software.
**Delivered By Role**:
- [Technology Scout](/Processes/Acquire_and_license_research_knowledge/JobTypes/Technology_Scout)
- [Licensing Manager](/Processes/Acquire_and_license_research_knowledge/JobTypes/Licensing_Manager)
- [Intellectual Property Counsel](/Processes/Acquire_and_license_research_knowledge/JobTypes/Intellectual_Property_Counsel)
**Asset Specificity**: mixed
**Automated By Action**:
- [Search Patent Landscape](/Action/Search_Patent_Landscape)
- [Track License Obligations](/Action/Track_License_Obligations)
**Automated By Software**:
- [Intellectual Property Management Software](/Software/Intellectual_Property_Management_Software)
**Delivered By Department**:
- [Research and Development](/Processes/Acquire_and_license_research_knowledge/Departments/Research_and_Development)
- [Legal](/Processes/Acquire_and_license_research_knowledge/Departments/Legal)

## Neighborhood

### Parent

- [Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing](/Industries/Pharmaceutical_and_Medicine_Manufacturing) — parent · Industries

### Siblings

- [Install and validate production process or methodology](/Processes/Install_and_validate_production_process_or_methodology) — siblings · Processes
- [Arrange licensing (in/out)](/Processes/Arrange_licensing_(in%2Fout)) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop capitation programs](/Processes/Develop_capitation_programs) — siblings · Processes
- [Perform acquisitions](/Processes/Perform_acquisitions) — siblings · Processes
- [Draft alternative structures](/Processes/Draft_alternative_structures) — siblings · Processes
- [Present recommendations to senior client executives](/Processes/Present_recommendations_to_senior_client_executives) — siblings · Processes
- [Adjust migration](/Processes/Adjust_migration) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop Over The Counter (OTC)/generic business](/Processes/Develop_Over_The_Counter_(OTC)%2Fgeneric_business) — siblings · Processes
- [Network for new business](/Processes/Network_for_new_business) — siblings · Processes
- [Obtain new business financing](/Processes/Obtain_new_business_financing) — siblings · Processes
- [Structure contracts /milestones /accounting/tax](/Processes/Structure_contracts_%2Fmilestones_%2Faccounting%2Ftax) — siblings · Processes
- [Discover Products](/Processes/Discover_Products) — siblings · Processes
- [Manage research](/Processes/Manage_research) — siblings · Processes
- [Identify targets](/Processes/Identify_targets) — siblings · Processes
- [Validate targets](/Processes/Validate_targets) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop assay](/Processes/Develop_assay) — siblings · Processes
- [Perform research/ licensing](/Processes/Perform_research%2F_licensing) — siblings · Processes
- [Conduct basic research](/Processes/Conduct_basic_research) — siblings · Processes
- [Manage research technology/information](/Processes/Manage_research_technology%2Finformation) — siblings · Processes
- [Target basic research efforts](/Processes/Target_basic_research_efforts) — siblings · Processes
- [Complete and report large-scale clinical trials](/Processes/Complete_and_report_large-scale_clinical_trials) — siblings · Processes
- [Compile and submit dossier](/Processes/Compile_and_submit_dossier) — siblings · Processes
- [Define regulatory strategy and target product profile](/Processes/Define_regulatory_strategy_and_target_product_profile) — siblings · Processes
- [Obtain scientific advice and engage regulators](/Processes/Obtain_scientific_advice_and_engage_regulators) — siblings · Processes
- [Assemble registration dossiers](/Processes/Assemble_registration_dossiers) — siblings · Processes
- [Standardize documentation](/Processes/Standardize_documentation) — siblings · Processes
- [Optimize submission process](/Processes/Optimize_submission_process) — siblings · Processes
- [Monitor speed of approvals](/Processes/Monitor_speed_of_approvals) — siblings · Processes
- [Compile and submit registration dossiers](/Processes/Compile_and_submit_registration_dossiers) — siblings · Processes
- [File new product process with FDA and receive regulatory approval](/Processes/File_new_product_process_with_FDA_and_receive_regulatory_approval) — siblings · Processes
- [Publish the new product process](/Processes/Publish_the_new_product_process) — siblings · Processes
- [Analyze impact of external factors](/Processes/Analyze_impact_of_external_factors) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop and execute pharmacoeconomics](/Processes/Develop_and_execute_pharmacoeconomics) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop campaign schedule](/Processes/Develop_campaign_schedule) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop production schedule](/Processes/Develop_production_schedule) — siblings · Processes
- [Process order release](/Processes/Process_order_release) — siblings · Processes
- [Release to EBR](/Processes/Release_to_EBR) — siblings · Processes
- [Execute EBR reporting](/Processes/Execute_EBR_reporting) — siblings · Processes
- [Test Product](/Processes/Test_Product) — siblings · Processes
- [Test and release bulk](/Processes/Test_and_release_bulk) — siblings · Processes
- [Test and release intermediate product](/Processes/Test_and_release_intermediate_product) — siblings · Processes
- [Test and release finished packaged products](/Processes/Test_and_release_finished_packaged_products) — siblings · Processes
- [Manage Quality Assurance/Quality Control](/Processes/Manage_Quality_Assurance%2FQuality_Control) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop and maintain quality management system](/Processes/Develop_and_maintain_quality_management_system) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop quality standards and sampling procedures](/Processes/Develop_quality_standards_and_sampling_procedures) — siblings · Processes
- [Receive sample batch quantity](/Processes/Receive_sample_batch_quantity) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop standard testing procedures for all materials](/Processes/Develop_standard_testing_procedures_for_all_materials) — siblings · Processes
- [Communicate quality assurance specifications](/Processes/Communicate_quality_assurance_specifications) — siblings · Processes
- [Conduct stability and validating tests and maintain test results](/Processes/Conduct_stability_and_validating_tests_and_maintain_test_results) — siblings · Processes
- [Maintain batch records and manage lot traceability](/Processes/Maintain_batch_records_and_manage_lot_traceability) — siblings · Processes
- [Determine batch numbering system](/Processes/Determine_batch_numbering_system) — siblings · Processes
- [Perform goods issue](/Processes/Perform_goods_issue) — siblings · Processes
- [Determine batch usage](/Processes/Determine_batch_usage) — siblings · Processes
- [Establish and manage plans to comply with HIPAA and other customer regulations](/Processes/Establish_and_manage_plans_to_comply_with_HIPAA_and_other_customer_regulations) — siblings · Processes
- [Report incidents, adverse events, and Corrective Action Preventive Action (CAPA)](/Processes/Report_incidents,_adverse_events,_and_Corrective_Action_Preventive_Action_(CAPA)) — siblings · Processes
- [Identify incidents and adverse events](/Processes/Identify_incidents_and_adverse_events) — siblings · Processes
- [Investigate incidents and adverse events](/Processes/Investigate_incidents_and_adverse_events) — siblings · Processes
- [Resolve incidents and adverse events](/Processes/Resolve_incidents_and_adverse_events) — siblings · Processes
- [Report Corrective Action Preventive Action (CAPA)](/Processes/Report_Corrective_Action_Preventive_Action_(CAPA)) — siblings · Processes
- [Perform and report trending analytics](/Processes/Perform_and_report_trending_analytics) — siblings · Processes
- [Manage medical inquiries](/Processes/Manage_medical_inquiries) — siblings · Processes
- [Receive medical inquiry](/Processes/Receive_medical_inquiry) — siblings · Processes
- [Assign medical inquiry](/Processes/Assign_medical_inquiry) — siblings · Processes
- [Track medical inquiry](/Processes/Track_medical_inquiry) — siblings · Processes
- [Respond to medical inquiry](/Processes/Respond_to_medical_inquiry) — siblings · Processes
- [Authorize and manage product returns](/Processes/Authorize_and_manage_product_returns) — siblings · Processes
- [Receive return request](/Processes/Receive_return_request) — siblings · Processes
- [Submit return authorization to customer](/Processes/Submit_return_authorization_to_customer) — siblings · Processes
- [Verify receipt of return goods](/Processes/Verify_receipt_of_return_goods) — siblings · Processes
- [Manage post marketing clinical trials](/Processes/Manage_post_marketing_clinical_trials) — siblings · Processes
- [Evaluate union relations internally](/Processes/Evaluate_union_relations_internally) — siblings · Processes
- [Evaluate union relations externally](/Processes/Evaluate_union_relations_externally) — siblings · Processes
- [Optimize relations](/Processes/Optimize_relations) — siblings · Processes
- [Monitor relations](/Processes/Monitor_relations) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop project budgets](/Processes/Develop_project_budgets) — siblings · Processes
- [Identify trends in medicines and medical system regulation](/Processes/Identify_trends_in_medicines_and_medical_system_regulation) — siblings · Processes
- [Identify trends in healthcare legislation](/Processes/Identify_trends_in_healthcare_legislation) — siblings · Processes
- [Identify trends in healthcare funding](/Processes/Identify_trends_in_healthcare_funding) — siblings · Processes
- [Identify trends in healthcare delivery](/Processes/Identify_trends_in_healthcare_delivery) — siblings · Processes
- [Identify trends in healthcare patient engagement](/Processes/Identify_trends_in_healthcare_patient_engagement) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop healthcare services business](/Processes/Develop_healthcare_services_business) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop integrated technology/medical services business](/Processes/Develop_integrated_technology%2Fmedical_services_business) — siblings · Processes
- [Plan the submission structure and its components](/Processes/Plan_the_submission_structure_and_its_components) — siblings · Processes
- [Create standard backbone and component templates](/Processes/Create_standard_backbone_and_component_templates) — siblings · Processes
- [Introduce regulatory review](/Processes/Introduce_regulatory_review) — siblings · Processes
- [Determine customer focus for research](/Processes/Determine_customer_focus_for_research) — siblings · Processes
- [Define customer focus for value proposition](/Processes/Define_customer_focus_for_value_proposition) — siblings · Processes
- [Calculate product unit forecast](/Processes/Calculate_product_unit_forecast) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop pricing schemes for managed care organizations](/Processes/Develop_pricing_schemes_for_managed_care_organizations) — siblings · Processes
- [Bid and proposal development](/Processes/Bid_and_proposal_development) — siblings · Processes
- [Manage master territory master data](/Processes/Manage_master_territory_master_data) — siblings · Processes
- [Manage roster master data](/Processes/Manage_roster_master_data) — siblings · Processes
- [Manage alignment of product and master territory master data](/Processes/Manage_alignment_of_product_and_master_territory_master_data) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop Sample Program and Requirements](/Processes/Develop_Sample_Program_and_Requirements) — siblings · Processes
- [Develop Sample Delivery Tracking Program](/Processes/Develop_Sample_Delivery_Tracking_Program) — siblings · Processes
- [Define requirements and business procedures for sample tracking, distribution, feedback, and reporting](/Processes/Define_requirements_and_business_procedures_for_sample_tracking,_distribution,_feedback,_and_reporting) — siblings · Processes
- [Define systems requirements for sample tracking](/Processes/Define_systems_requirements_for_sample_tracking) — siblings · Processes
- [Define systems requirements for sample distribution](/Processes/Define_systems_requirements_for_sample_distribution) — siblings · Processes
- [Define systems requirements for feedback and reporting on sample distribution](/Processes/Define_systems_requirements_for_feedback_and_reporting_on_sample_distribution) — siblings · Processes
- [Monitor sample stock levels](/Processes/Monitor_sample_stock_levels) — siblings · Processes
- [Capture and report adverse events](/Processes/Capture_and_report_adverse_events) — siblings · Processes

### Problems this exposes

- [in-licensed assay/method knowledge must be tech-transferred into GMP batch records, not just stored in a knowledge base](/Problems/in-licensed_assay%2Fmethod_knowledge_must_be_tech-transferred_into_GMP_batch_records,_not_just_stored_in_a_knowledge_base) — exposes problem · Problems
- [licensed analytical methods carry milestone/royalty triggers tied to commercial batch volume, requiring per-lot usage metering](/Problems/licensed_analytical_methods_carry_milestone%2Froyalty_triggers_tied_to_commercial_batch_volume,_requiring_per-lot_usage_metering) — exposes problem · Problems
- [field-of-use limits on an in-licensed compound must be enforced at CMO production scheduling so a contract run doesn't exceed the licensed indication](/Problems/field-of-use_limits_on_an_in-licensed_compound_must_be_enforced_at_CMO_production_scheduling_so_a_contract_run_doesn't_exceed_the_licensed_indication) — exposes problem · Problems
- [text-mining rights on licensed literature collide with deviation/CAPA investigations that need to search that same corpus under GMP](/Problems/text-mining_rights_on_licensed_literature_collide_with_deviation%2FCAPA_investigations_that_need_to_search_that_same_corpus_under_GMP) — exposes problem · Problems
- [every in-licensed reference standard or cell line used on the manufacturing line must carry chain-of-custody provenance into the CMC dossier](/Problems/every_in-licensed_reference_standard_or_cell_line_used_on_the_manufacturing_line_must_carry_chain-of-custody_provenance_into_the_CMC_dossier) — exposes problem · Problems
- [in-licensed research data must meet FDA/GxP data-integrity provenance to be usable in a submission](/Problems/in-licensed_research_data_must_meet_FDA%2FGxP_data-integrity_provenance_to_be_usable_in_a_submission) — exposes problem · Problems
- [licensed compounds/IP must be tracked against patent-cliff and regulatory-exclusivity timelines](/Problems/licensed_compounds%2FIP_must_be_tracked_against_patent-cliff_and_regulatory-exclusivity_timelines) — exposes problem · Problems
- [field-of-use and indication restrictions in pharma licenses constrain downstream development paths](/Problems/field-of-use_and_indication_restrictions_in_pharma_licenses_constrain_downstream_development_paths) — exposes problem · Problems
- [renewal pricing negotiated without usage analytics to justify cuts](/Problems/renewal_pricing_negotiated_without_usage_analytics_to_justify_cuts) — exposes problem · Problems
- [acquired knowledge not indexed into a searchable internal corpus](/Problems/acquired_knowledge_not_indexed_into_a_searchable_internal_corpus) — exposes problem · Problems
- [duplicate subscriptions to the same dataset/journal across departments go unnoticed](/Problems/duplicate_subscriptions_to_the_same_dataset%2Fjournal_across_departments_go_unnoticed) — exposes problem · Problems
- [license usage terms (seats, redistribution, text-mining rights) not machine-tracked against actual use](/Problems/license_usage_terms_(seats,_redistribution,_text-mining_rights)_not_machine-tracked_against_actual_use) — exposes problem · Problems
- [Knowing What External IP Already Covers The Capability Being Built](/Problems/Knowing_What_External_IP_Already_Covers_The_Capability_Being_Built) — exposes problem · Problems

### Automated by

- [Intellectual Property Management Software](/Software/Intellectual_Property_Management_Software) — automated by · Software
- [Track License Obligations](/Activities/Track_License_Obligations) — automated by · Activities
- [Search Patent Landscape](/Activities/Search_Patent_Landscape) — automated by · Activities

### Outsourced to

- [Patent Brokerage](/CompanyTypes/Patent_Brokerage) — outsourced to · CompanyTypes
- [Technology Transfer Office](/CompanyTypes/Technology_Transfer_Office) — outsourced to · CompanyTypes

### Delivered by

- [Intellectual Property Counsel](/JobTypes/Intellectual_Property_Counsel) — delivered by · JobTypes
- [Licensing Manager](/JobTypes/Licensing_Manager) — delivered by · JobTypes
- [Technology Scout](/JobTypes/Technology_Scout) — delivered by · JobTypes
- [Legal](/Departments/Legal) — delivered by · Departments
- [Research and Development](/Departments/Research_and_Development) — delivered by · Departments

### Industries where this operates

- [Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories](/Industries/Medical_and_Diagnostic_Laboratories) — operates in · Industries
- [Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing](/Industries/Medical_Equipment_and_Supplies_Manufacturing) — operates in · Industries
- [Scientific Research and Development Services](/Industries/Scientific_Research_and_Development_Services) — operates in · Industries