Published Online July 23, 2010
Abstract:
Traditionally businesses are created as self sustaining entities to carry out specific tasks. The United Nations Millennium Development Project recommended incubators, as a more effective approach to technology oriented business development. Here, we describe the nurturing of a biotech business incubator focused on technology innovation, for the developing world: Biotech tropicana, IncEXPLORER.
Keywords: Business; Biotech; Incubator; Millennium Project; Resource-poor settings
Background :
Technology business incubators, are generally NOT FOR PROFIT or FOR PROFIT Organizations designed to provide a nurturing environment for FOR PROFIT commercial organizations.
Wikipedia defined Bioincubators as "a building designed for housing R&D driven companies active in Life sciences. A Bioincubator is a Business incubator targeted towards Life Sciences helping startup companies. Entrepreneurs with feasible projects in Life Sciences are selected and admitted into the incubators, where they are offered a specialized menu of support resources and services.” [1]
The South African eGOLI BIO is an example of a NOT FOR PROFIT Biotech incubator designed to nurture FOR PROFIT commercial Biotech companies, in South Africa. [2]
Activities performed in a typical Biotech incubator, include Guidance on technology commercialization strategies, business case development and concept viability analysis, IP management strategies, preparation of business plans, legal guidance, project management, raising capital, financial management, access to service providers and potential partners, networking opportunities, office facilities and infrastructure . [2]
Biotech incubators are well establishes in the United States, and the Biotech incubator concept is now applied at a global scale. For details search www.google.com , keyword: Biotech business incubators.
Before 2000, concepts on applications of Biotechnology as a support for development , for the developing world, were fragmented in various non governmental organizations, academics, and governmental organizations.
Structural clusters around Massachusset Institute of Technology , USA initiated studies to investigate the potential of Biotechnologies, in the developing world. [3;4;5]
Work of professor Calestous Juma in England and then in the United States, addressed approaches to applying Biotechnology for development in Africa. [6]
From 2000, the fragmented concepts on technology for development, were streamlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Project (UN MDP); and the United State Millennium Challenge Corporation (US MCC) stimulates privates small business development in the developing world, with heavy emphasis on country ownership. [7;8]
By 2005, the United Nations development Project task forces released its reports recommending strategies for achieving the goals, and the report on Science , Technology, and Innovation have become the international standards for the applications of Biotechnologies as a support for development, in the resource-poor settings (technology report) . [9]
The UN technology report proposed a tripartite implementation approach, including industry, academics, and governments. To achieve high impact on development, the technology report defined the roles and strategies for each party, (technology report page xx ). A short paper co authored by Calestous Juma and Lee Yee-Cheong, discussed specific cases studies highlighting the potential of Biotechnologies, for the developing world. [10]
Michael Porter from the Harvard University school of Business previously proposed the value chain concept to increase performance in business management. The value chain concept from business management was first described in Michael Porter ‘s 1985 best-seller book, Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. A value chain is a chain of activities for a firm operating in a specific industry. [11]
According to the UN technology report, three variables influence how global value chains are governed: the complexity of transactions, the codification of transactions, and the competence of suppliers. Global Value chains are generally organized in three network governance patterns: a) modular, b) relational, and c) captive value chains.
a) Modular network
Global value chains will be organized as modular supply chains if explicit codification schemes exist to allow easy exchange of complex information between buyers and suppliers and suppliers are competent enough to receive and act on such codified information.
b) Relational Network
If a codification scheme in the form of known standards or protocols does not exist, buyers may have to rely on highly idiosyncratic methods based on intensive interaction to work with the suppliers in relational value chains.
c) Captive Network
If suppliers are not sufficiently competent, buyers may have to keep the activities in-house, leading to more vertical integration, or outsource such activities to a supplier in the captive value chains that have to be tightly controlled and monitored. (pp 128-129) [12]
Using concepts developed in the United Nations millennium Development Project, and the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation for guidance, and by engineering principles established in the traditional approaches for Biotech business incubator development, and principles of global value chains analysis for business management, we innovate a Biotech business incubator tailored to the resource-poor settings: Biotech tropicana, Inc EXPLORER. Below we describe the nurturing of the EXPLORER unit of the Biotech tropicana Systems, and its adaptation to the resources and expertise of the resource-poor settings.
The United Nations Millennium project recommended the biotech incubator approach, for biotech business development, for the developing world. (Boxes at in contents )[12]
Description:
In the Biotech tropicana Systems, we develop a three levels value chain that we applied in technology development. [13] the step wise approach in our value chain is expressed in the structural organization of the Biotech tropicana,IncEXPLORER unit. Biotech tropicana,IncEXPLORER is an incubator nurturing some 20 projects at different levels of development [14]; the SMARThivTECHS project being given the highest priority for the classification of HIV/AIDS in the developing world, as a medical emergency. [15]
Article 7, Title III of the Corporate Bylaws of Biotech tropicana,IncEXPLORER creates a venue to provide linkage opportunities, for local communities to benefit from the business nurturing environment developed in Biotech tropicana,IncEXPLORER. Here we describe the structure and function of the explorer unit of the Biotech tropicana Systems; For simplicity, we align the description, with levels of a typical Porter’s chain. The basis of the Biotech tropicana concept were previously discussed. [12]
Bioteh tropicana, Inc EXPLORER is the exploration unit of the Biotech tropicana Systems, a system of incubator projects under development in Biotech tropicana,Inc EXPLORER [14]. Biotech tropicana, IncEXPLORER is incorporated in Benin Republic (West Africa), a resource-poor country. The Benin site was determined to be well suited for coordination of data exploration for Biotechnology development for the resource-poor settings. Benin is a paradigm model of a resource-poor country, displaying the major characteristics of a Least Developed Country, as described by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States . [16]
Furthermore, the country’s small size and geographic proximity to many other closely similar resource-poor countries, facilitates comparison of data gathered through field trips, to these neighboring countries.
Tolerance to the resource-poor settings
To create grounds for promoting Biotechnology in the developing world, while protecting our intellectual properties in a poorly organized administrative and legal systems, we innovate a developing word-tailored Biotech incubator governance structural system, using existing United States Biotech incubator governance patterns, for guidance. We then customized our incubator model to the resources and expertise level of the resource-poor communities, to create opportunities for the developing world entrepreneurs to benefit from the nurturing environment , we develop in the Biotech tropicana,Inc EXPLRER unit.
Consistent with the dynamic nature of an incubator system, we design a legal company name ‘Biotech tropicana, Inc” that would favor later merging of the EXPLORER unit with other units of the Biotech tropicana,IncGROUP science and technology body, under Biotech tropicana Corporation,in incubation in the United States of America. The choice of the name promotes compliance with the US company merging regulations, while obviating additional unnecessary expenses for new company name reservation. [17]
To create grounds to protecting our intellectual properties on products of our enterprise, without diminishing the growth potential of local entrepreneurs admitted in Biotech tropicana, Inc incubators program, we took advantage of the procedural differences between company incorporation in Benin Republic, and that in the Untied States. The US incorporation does not require submission of a corporate Bylaws, in connection with incorporation, while in Benin , the Corporate Bylaws is the basic regulatory document required by public authority for issuance of a Corporation registration number.
In designing the corporate Bylaws, we introduce Article 9, in TITTLE III to clearly legally separate our enterprise with those of admitted local enterprises. We later amended the name of our enterprise, owned and operated by Aboubakar YARI and Venus YARI, with the "EXPLORER” specification to distinguish it from other units of the Biotech tropicana,IncGROUP, and the admitted enterprises owned by local member entrepreneurs.
From the inception of the corporate Bylaws, we introduced Article 7, in TITTLE III, to create a venue for admission of local enterprises on discretionary basis. For fairness we clearly specified clauses for rejection of a candidate enterprise, and clauses for removal of a member enterprise for specified violations.
For competitiveness , Article 14, in TITLE III, raises Biotech tropicana,Inc physically located in Parakou, Benin, as an Association of Enterprises, in the form of a cartel with a common agenda, against competitors. However, inside the incubator, clauses have been created to clearly inform admitted enterprises of their ownership rights and duties, including a 10.000 CFA, ($20 USD) admission fee (Article 7)2)a, TITLE III). Application of concepts developed by Michael Porter of the Harvard University school business conferred us a substantial competitive advantage, in the region, beyond Benin Republic. We basically introduce a new way of doing business, in that region of West Africa.
In addition to the power of Founder & CEO conferred to the head of each enterprise, clauses were added in the corporate Bylaws, to create a Board of the Association to defend the interests of member enterprises, before local public authorities. Venus YARI holds the power of associate Founder and Aboubakar YARI holds the power of Founder & CEO of the Biotech tropicana,Inc EXPLORER enterprise, by foundation. Aboubakar YARI was democratically elected as the the president of the Board of the Association, along other with other Board members elected by the association. On numerous occasions, for various reasons the association altered the composition of the Board and other organs, at it own discretion as permitted by statue. In addition to registration before the Benin administrative public officials, a copy of the Corporate Bylaws was registered before the Benin Judiciary Branch. [17]
Because the system is designed to be coordinated from the United States Corporate Headquarter, using a "center to global” corporate approach, it is fair to say that our incubator model demonstrated the feasibility of the incubator concept, for the developing world, as proposed in the United Nations Millennium Development Project.
Inbound Logistics
In 10 years, form Atlanta , Georgia, USA to the remote villages of Africa, we develop a computerized platform for technology prospecting on a global scale. We develop a platform for technology modeling and simulation, in the Biotech tropicana,IncGROUP Laboratories , and a computerized database of Biotechnology Hubs, on a global scale for technology development and manufacturing. We establish a research and development funding framework by registering to the United States grants.gov , and eRa commons grants managements systems. We also establish a computerized framework of funding mechanisms, on a global scale. [17]
Outbound logistics
In 10 years, we develop the necessary competence to operate within codified systems of modular value chains for products and services delivery, by registering to the DUNS and Bradstreet database, the United States Central Contactor Registration (US CCR), the US ORCA business codification system, and the NATO business codification system. We establish a relational value chains monitoring platform for collaboration with potential partners for products and services delivery, in cases where codified systems are not applicable. An e-mail listing system has established to monitor the activities of relational value chains in involved in products and services delivery, in the developing world.
Support
The Administrative Body and the Marketing Body, under Biotech tropicana Corporation are designed to coordinate all support needs from the United States Corporate Headquarter.
Discussion:
In 10 years, from 2000 to 2010, investing on average $ 10.000 USD per year, for a cumulative investment of $100.000 USD,, applying the "new way” biotech and business development principles established in the United Nations Millennium Development project, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation , we develop a Biotech Business incubator model for the developing world: Biotech tropicana,IncEXPLORER.
Our Incubator is capable of handling the development of 100 Biotech start up projects in parallel, from any point on the globe. The system is designed to take a biotechnology from raw material collected in the fields of the developing world, to finished product and beyond to the end consumer through established marketing and trade framework. Biotech tropican,IncEXPLORER is the first systematic biotech incubator in Africa, designed to operate at a global scale. The South African eGOLI Bio previously demonstrated the applicability of the incubator concept in Africa at a national scale.
The pionnering work of professor Juma established the theory of principles of feasibility of a biotech business development for the developing world. This theory synthesized in innovation: Applying Knowledge in Development became the international reference standard for the application of technology for development, in the developing world. We demonstrate the applicability of Juma’s theory , in practice, in Africa.
With the nurturing to maturity of the Biotech tropiana,inc EXPLORER, all conditions necessary for a successful implementation of the second decade agenda of the Biotech tropicana systems are met, and the files of the for profit commercial activities are opened . The Biotech tropicana Systems are ready for the conquest of the globe, a preparative step toward the third decade agenda aiming to conquest of space and other planets, with the tools of space Biotechnology and its commercial applications, pionnered by the associate founder, Venus Frances YARI. [18;19]
Conclusion:
In 10 years, with $100.000 USD investment, applying principles established in the United Nations Millennium Development Project and the United States millennium Challenge Corporation, we innovate a Biotech business incubator system, tailored to the resource-poor settings. Our system is designed to take a Biotech product from raw materials to finished product , and beyond to the end consumer. The path to the conquest of planet earth, and beyond to space and other planets, with the tools of Biotechnology, are set.
LINKS
To Biotech tropicana,IncEXPLORER
1) Official Journal of Benin Republic (Journal official de la République du Bénin)
References: Year 117, N° 10, dated May 15, 2006.
Search for Biotech tropicana, Inc at page 400.
2) Legal Depot of the Biotech tropicana,IncEXPLORER Corporate Bylaws, before the Benin Judiciary Branch
File N° 001/08, dated 08/01/2008, City Court of Kandi, Benin
3) DUNS and Bradstreet Database
country: BENIN,
Company name: Biotech tropicana,IncEXPLORER,
city: Parakou,
fill in code and search
4) US Central Contractor Registration (US CCR)
Search for DUNS number 557735109
5) US ORCA Business Codification System,
Search for DNUS number 557735109
6) NATO Business Codification System
Search for ncage number SGX17
DUNS number: 557735109, IPF number : 10027558
8) Aboubakar YARI and Venus YARI, owners
The people behind the concepts shaping the Biotech tropicana Systems:
a)Political Framework:
"The advances of free markets and trade and democracy and rule of law have brought prosperity to an ever-widening circle of people in this world. Nations from India to Chile have changed old ways and, therefore, found new wealth.........Many of the old models of economic development assistance are outdated. Money that is not accompanied by legal and economic reform are oftentimes wasted.......When nations refuse to enact sound policies, progress against poverty is nearly impossible. In these situations, more aid money can actually be counterproductive, because it subsidizes bad policies, delays reform, and crowds out private investment....... Today, I call for a new compact for global development, defined by new accountability for both rich and poor nations alike.”
George W. BUSH, For the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation
"We have the opportunity in the coming decade to cut world poverty by half. Billions more people could enjoy the fruits of the global economy. Tens of millions of lives can be saved. The practical solutions exist. The political framework is established. And for the first time, the cost is utterly affordable. Whatever one’s motivation for attacking the crisis of extreme poverty—human rights, religious values, security, fiscal prudence, ideology—the solutions are the same. All that is needed is action."
Kofi A. Annan, For the United Nations Millennium Development Goasl
b)Scientific Framework:
Why Has Africa Suffered the Most Persistent Poverty Trap?
The simple theory outlined ........ explains how a country or region can get stuck in a poverty trap. It does not explain, however, why sub-Saharan Africa has been the region most prone to getting stuck...... We propose five structural reasons that have made sub-Saharan Africa the most vulnerable region in the world to a persistent poverty trap:
—very high transport costs and small market size
—low-productivity agriculture
—a very high disease burden
—adverse geopolitics
—very slow diffusion of technology from abroad.
In Ending Africa's Poverty Trap
Jeffrey D. SACHS, Columbia University, USA, for the United Nation Millennium Development Project
"The science, technology, and innovation curricula in many developing country universities are outdated or lack a cross-disciplinary approach......... The new models emphasize educating graduates who serve as agents of socioeconomic change rather than mere holders of degree certificates........Developing countries will not be able to exploit the might of new technologies unless they become seriously involved in high-technology fields. For this reason, university curricula are vitally important.”
Calestous Juma, Harvard University, USA, for the Science, technology, and Innovation Task Force,
c)Industry and BusinessFramework:
"The Biotech tropicana Systems are the way, the thruth. No one gets to the developing world Biotech market, except through the Biotech tropicana Systems”
Aboubakar YARI and Venus YARI, for the Biotech tropicana Systems.
[19] http://google.com/ , search, keyword: commercial space biotechnology
