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A Comparison of Milestone-Based and Buyout Options Contracts for Coordinating R&D Partnerships

Author

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  • Shantanu Bhattacharya

    (INSEAD, Singapore 138676)

  • Vibha Gaba

    (INSEAD, Singapore 138676)

  • Sameer Hasija

    (INSEAD, Singapore 138676)

Abstract

We analyze optimal contractual arrangements in a bilateral research and development (R&D) partnership between a risk-averse provider that conducts early-stage research followed by a regulatory verification stage and a risk-neutral client that performs late-stage development activities, including production, distribution, and marketing. The problem is formulated as a sequential investment game with the client as the principal, where the investments are observable but not verifiable. The model captures the inherent incentive alignment problems of double-sided moral hazard, risk aversion, and holdup. We compare the efficacy of milestone-based options contracts and buyout options contracts from the client's perspective and identify conditions under which they attain the first-best outcome for the client. We find that milestone-based options contracts always attain the first-best outcome for the client when the provider has some bargaining power in renegotiation and identify their applicability to different R&D partnerships. This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.

Suggested Citation

  • Shantanu Bhattacharya & Vibha Gaba & Sameer Hasija, 2015. "A Comparison of Milestone-Based and Buyout Options Contracts for Coordinating R&D Partnerships," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 61(5), pages 963-978, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:61:y:2015:i:5:p:963-978
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2013.1874
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    Cited by:

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    3. Niyazi Taneri & Pascale Crama, 2021. "Turning the Tables in Research and Development Licensing Contracts," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 67(9), pages 5838-5856, September.
    4. Yu, Xinning & Lan, Yanfei & Zhao, Ruiqing, 2018. "Cooperation royalty contract design in research and development alliances: Help vs. knowledge-sharing," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 268(2), pages 740-754.
    5. Trigeorgis, Lenos & Tsekrekos, Andrianos E., 2018. "Real Options in Operations Research: A Review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 270(1), pages 1-24.
    6. Lütkemeyer, Daniel & Heese, H. Sebastian & Wuttke, David A. & Gernert, Andreas K., 2022. "Pricing and market entry decisions in personalized medicine," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    7. Li, Qing & Zhang, Huaige & Hong, Xianpei, 2020. "Knowledge structure of technology licensing based on co-keywords network: A review and future directions," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 154-165.
    8. Lütkemeyer, Daniel & Heese, H. Sebastian & Wuttke, David A., 2021. "Overcoming inefficiencies in the development of personalized medicine," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 290(1), pages 278-296.
    9. (Ryan) Choi, Ji-Hung & Yoon, Jiho & Song, Ju Myung, 2023. "Adaptive R&D contract for urgently needed drugs: Lessons from COVID-19 vaccine development," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    10. Niyazi Taneri & Arnoud De Meyer, 2017. "Contract Theory: Impact on Biopharmaceutical Alliance Structure and Performance," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 19(3), pages 453-471, July.
    11. Ge, Zehui & Hu, Qiying & Goh, Chon-Huat & Zhao, Rui, 2021. "Action-dependent commitment in vertical collaborations: The effect of demand-creating innovations in a supply chain," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 147(C).
    12. Yu, Xinning & Lan, Yanfei & Zhao, Ruiqing, 2021. "Strategic green technology innovation in a two-stage alliance: Vertical collaboration or co-development?," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).

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