Biosensors & Bioelectronics Update

In this issue we have included a review paper from one of our sister journals, Techovation: “Technological Infrastructure and Regional Economic Development of Biotechnology Firms” by Peter Haug and Philip Ness. The paper describes empirical evidence from 37 commercial biotechnology firms on background attributes, company origins, financial capital resources, market distributions and strategic alliance. Data were collected through extensive personal interviews with senior executives and scientists. This paper contributes evidence on the origins and operations of commercial biotechnology firms in the state of Washington. Whilst at first glance it may seem a little odd to have included a review of US biotech start-ups in a journal dedicated to biosensors, I have my reasons. I am keen to feature new start-up companies in the biosensor field, knowing that it is likely that many of you would like to have a “start-up” company of your own. This is, of course, one of the most frequent types of “little acorn” from which the “mighty oaks” of commerce grow. There have not, I believe, been any such studies solely concerned with biosensor start-ups we hope someone will do one so we could publish it! Until there is, I thought it would be quite instructive for readers to find out how their erstwhile brethren in biotech have been faring in the Washington area of the USA. Whether this mode of business start-up and its success (or failures) is in any way indicative of moves in other related technologies or of other geographic areas it is difficult to tell. The review should give some indication of the prospects ahead for any would-be entrepreneur in biosensors. It was not my intention to discourage, but maybe the pass rate shown here could provide salutary lessons and help avoid costly mistakes.