Managing and Preparing for Emerging Infectious Diseases: Avoiding a Catastrophe

The extent and impact of neglected diseases has been well documented in the public health and medical science literature. However, from a strategic management and organizational perspective, there is a gap in understanding the complex relationships that underpin the functioning of product development partnerships (PDPs) in managing the drug development process. This paper focuses on (a) identifying the importance of PDPs in the development of new drugs for neglected and emerging infectious diseases and (b) identifying the key stakeholders and their relationships and (levels of) dependencies in PDPs through the resource dependence lens. Our model offers a unique perspective to the strategic alliance literature not only by showing the complex interrelationships among various stakeholders but also in highlighting power, trust, and governance as key challenges. Based on our extensive analysis of the literature and the contextualization of the recent novel coronavirus epidemic as a case, we offer conclusions and reflections from a management perspective on the ability of PDPs to mitigate risks related to neglected and emerging infectious diseases.