Business Development and Industry Relations Process

The Business Development and Industry Relations (BDIR) process at Keck School of Medicine of USC is designed to connect researchers with industry leaders to drive impactful collaborations and innovation. Our four-step cycle—  Prospect, Cultivate, Position, and Deliver–focuses  on identifying opportunities, building relationships, strategically aligning projects, and ensuring successful outcomes for both USC and our industry partners.

Prospect

• Increase Awareness: Raise awareness of USC’s offerings to industry leaders, highlighting our research capabilities, resources, and expertise.
• Understand Industry Needs: Explore and identify the unmet needs within the industry to ensure that USC’s strengths align with the demands of the market.
• Generate and Qualify Leads: Identify and qualify potential industry partners who would benefit from collaboration with USC researchers.

Cultivate

• Build Relationships: Establish and nurture relationships with key industry leaders, fostering trust and a deep understanding of mutual goals.
• Identify Mutual Areas of Interest: Engage in conversations to identify common areas of research interest, challenges, and potential opportunities for collaboration.

Position

• Define Type of Engagement: Tailor the type of collaboration to the unique needs of the partner, whether it be research, technology transfer, clinical trials, or other forms of engagement.
• Create Value Proposition: Develop a clear value proposition that articulates the benefits of collaboration for both USC and the industry partner, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship.
• Formulate Partnering Strategy: Design a strategic approach for the partnership that aligns both parties’ goals and resources for optimal outcomes.

Deliver

• Convert to Committed Engagement: Finalize agreements, ensuring both USC and industry collaborators are committed to the partnership.
• Actively Advocate: Provide continuous support, advocacy, and management to ensure the success of the collaboration and deliver results that meet the shared objectives of both parties.