Welcome to Discussions in Science Markets!

The first of many blog posts has finally arrived! Welcome everyone to Alex, Beth, and Shruti's project page for IBUS 266, International Marketing. This website will focus on aspects of life science technology in the context of a global business market. Understandably, most of you are not scientist by nature...do not fear! The purpose of this blog is to talk about basic scientific topics in layman's terms to incite conversation regarding associated business topics, such as: market trends, regional differences in products, barriers to entry in foreign markets, cultural factors, etc.

Why science as a theme? The three of us are currently enrolled in a Molecular Biotechnology Masters program within the Professional Studies college at GW. So in coming up with a blog or wiki project or International Marketing, we decided to cross-link our interests and throw some scientific topics in the business blender. We are curious to see the business development implications specifically within the biopharmaceutical industry. Clearly we may stray from talking only about pharmaceuticals, genetic modification, and biotechnology...we don't want to be overzealous. So right now, let's just say we'll play it by ear as we want the class to have some influence in our blog discussions. Having said that, increasing costs and a declining economic environment have driven business development executives in pharma, for example, to restrategize their operations, locally and globally. Hence, megamergers in the biopharm industry. This is one HUGE industry driver that we will explore in the next few weeks. So keep you're eyes open for new comments, questions, and ideas....and here comes some discussion on bioagriculture.

Looks yoummy, doesn't it? Now I'll hand the baton off to Beth. You have the floor.

-AL, SR, BB