According to recent analyst reports, merger / acquisition (M&A) and technology licensing activity in the pharmaceutical industry is not going to see any slow downs in the next few years (The Boston Globe, 2008). With patents of high revenue drugs expiring, risk of development increasing and changes in the global landscape, M&A and licensing remain key strategies that companies use to improve their competitive position in the industry. Managing these processes is incredibly resource intensive for companies. Understanding competition, locating partners, and maintaining ongoing communication is resource intensive and there remains an unmet need to improve services for organizations embarking on this aspect of business development
