Jane has made the challenging transition from bench scientist to innovation leader with over 20 years experience at Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT) and now MedImmune. She considers it is highly important for bioscientists to build partnerships because the more diverse views, ideas, expertise and perspective you can bring together to help solve specific problems, the better the result. Jane‘s experience is that the most successful collaborations depend on shared goals that are mutually beneficial, reviewed regularly and managed with discipline. Bio-scientists can leverage clusters to source skills and capabilities not immediately available. A key characteristic of the Cambridge cluster is that everyone is very supportive - a great example of altruism. It’s a very positive environment to work in. The interdisciplinary nature of the cluster has helped accelerate bio innovation and bring significant competitive advantage.

Navigating the complexity of large organisations is challenging for novice bio entrepreneurs and start-ups. She recommends that bio entrepreneurs make connections at all levels. In her experience, the most successful partnerships have started via grass roots discussions with scientists in the lab with ideas that match, or are aligned to, strategic aims through further interactions with senior management. It is when these two pieces fit together well that you can be really successful. She advises young bio entrepreneurs and start-ups to be flexible, open-minded and prepared to take risks to raise the profile, build trust and gain respect.