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

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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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    5. 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.
    6. 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.
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    9. 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.
    10. (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).
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