Tracking the literature on strategic alliances in the biotechnology industry: insights from a bibliometric approach over the last 30 years

Abstract

Abstract Purpose:The purpose of this study is to identify papers that have produced the most significant impact onresearch on strategic alliances in the biotechnology industry. The authors attempt to illustrate the thematicevolution of its intellectual structure through 616 papers published between 1992 and 2021. Design/methodology/approach: The present research methodology relies on three distinct techniques,implemented using SciMat software: (1) bibliometric techniques, (2) scientific map analysis and (3) contentanalysis of research documents from the Web of Science (WoS). In this manner, the authors analyse theintellectual structure of the field of strategic alliances in the biotechnology industry, tracking its evolution overa period of three decades. Findings: The study emphasises the relevance of“innovation” as a key theme and identifies several potentialareas for future research, which could serve as a foundation for further investigations. Originality/value: This study represents a novel contribution to the literature as it is the first to use the SciMattool to analyse strategic alliances in the biotechnology industry. This research reveals that while strategicalliances have been assessed extensively across various industries, some topics, such as the types and formationof alliances, have not been specifically studied in the biotechnology industry. These areas as well as the barriersand variables influencing the formation of alliances offer promising avenues for future research in this field.