First of all, go over every demand and expected results in great detail with the collaborator. Clearly and in written form, define the terms and conditions. So that you might resolve any future disputes. You can definitely stop the collaboration on better terms, though, if you believe it still is not moving you anywhere.

Resolving conflicting goals with external partners in biotechnology research requires clear communication. Start by setting common goals and discussing different topics. Develop a detailed contract that outlines duties, responsibilities and expectations. Regular meetings can resolve problems quickly. Be willing to take risks and find win-win solutions. If problems persist, consider installing an independent mediator. Being clear and focused on shared goals can align interests and ensure the success of the relationship.

The research collaborations I’ve seen go well start from a common understanding and trust. Doing proper partner due diligence before contracting, and having honest discussions on whether your goals and values align is critical. In successful collaborations, all parties get something out of the arrangement. The challenge becomes where one parties goals or values change during a collaboration, such as from an acquisition or new management. If you can’t get what you need out of a collaboration it might be time to terminate the agreement. This means being clear on the legal terms, particularly use / ownership of co-owner IP, and making sure you recover your IP or that it is appropriately destroyed.

Quando isso acontece, minha abordagem é manter um diálogo aberto e buscar um entendimento comum. Gosto de alinhar expectativas logo no início, discutindo as prioridades de cada parte e identificando onde podemos encontrar um equilíbrio. Acredito que a transparência é essencial para evitar mal-entendidos, e, quando necessário, procuro negociar compromissos que permitam que ambos os lados avancem sem sacrificar a qualidade da pesquisa. Esse equilíbrio é fundamental para o sucesso da parceria e para alcançar resultados que beneficiem todos os envolvidos.