Research on the innovation transition mechanism of the new-generation of innovative pharmaceutical companies: An exploratory analysis of multiple cases

Xiong Yan, Wu Haoyue, Zhang Zhihong, Wang Dongmei

Science Research Management ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (4) : 98-108.

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Science Research Management ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (4) : 98-108. DOI: 10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.04.010  CSTR: 32148.14.kygl.2026.04.010

Research on the innovation transition mechanism of the new-generation of innovative pharmaceutical companies: An exploratory analysis of multiple cases

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Abstract

The innovation transition by the new-generation of innovative pharmaceutical companies represents a critical practice in breaking through key core technologies that cause bottlenecks and forging "pillars of a great power" in the biomedicine field. It is of great significance for safeguarding public health and national health security. However, few scholars have conducted research on this emerging phenomenon. Based on the IOLL theory, this paper employed a multiple-case research approach to systematically explore the innovation transition mechanisms of three new-generation of innovative pharmaceutical companies: BeOne Medicines, Innovent Biologics, and Shanghai Junshi Biosciences. The findings revealed that: (1) These companies leverage a dual advantage in knowledge and strategy to form a global resource orchestration mechanism, driven by the dual levers of "talent and policy", thereby accelerating technological accumulation. (2) Through a double helix continuous learning mechanism, it was demonstrated that bidirectional knowledge empowerment between individuals and organizations serves as a sustained engine for breakthroughs in complex technologies. (3) Through a nested "double-helix" combination mechanism of resource and learning, these companies exhibit three distinct innovation transition paths: technological radicalism, ecosystem integration and agile focus. This paper has unraveled the black box of how new generation enterprises in latecomer economies achieve technological transition in Schumpeter Mark II industries. It will also offer some theoretical and practical insights into how science-based firms can restructure their knowledge base to achieve high-quality development.

Key words

next-generation of innovative pharmaceutical company / innovation transition / strategy for "output of highly oriented products with intensified resources input" / multi-dimensional dynamic leveraging / double helix continuous learning

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Xiong Yan , Wu Haoyue , Zhang Zhihong , et al. Research on the innovation transition mechanism of the new-generation of innovative pharmaceutical companies: An exploratory analysis of multiple cases[J]. Science Research Management. 2026, 47(4): 98-108 https://doi.org/10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.04.010

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