Managing and preparing for emerging infectious diseases: Avoiding a catastrophe

The extent and impact of neglected diseases has been well documented in the public health and medical science literature. However, from a strategic management and organizational perspective, there is a gap in understanding the complex relationships that underpin the functioning of Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) in managing the drug development process. This paper focuses on (a) identifying the importance of PDPs in the development of new drugs for neglected and emerging infectious diseases; and (b) identifying the key stakeholders, their relationships and (levels) of dependencies in PDPs through the resource dependency lens. Our model offers a unique perspective to the strategic alliance literature by not only showing the complex interrelationships between various stakeholders but also in highlighting power, trust and governance ask key challenges. Based on our extensive analysis of the literature and the contextualization of the recent Novel Coronavirus epidemic as a case, we offer conclusions and reflections on the ability of PDPs to mitigate risks related to neglected and emerging infectious diseases from a management perspective.