Collaboration in times of crisis: A study on COVID-19 vaccine R&D partnerships

TLDR

Collaboration drives rapid COVID‑19 vaccine development, with partnerships ranging from material‑transfer to knowledge‑sharing arrangements. The study examined the emerging partnership types in vaccine R&D and highlighted the need for policies that promote fair, effective collaboration to ensure equitable access. Nearly one third of WHO‑listed vaccine candidates were developed through partnerships, which more often employed next‑generation platforms, and the nature of sharing influences both collaboration dynamics and broader technology advancement.

Abstract

Collaboration is central for initiatives and efforts in the race to fight COVID-19, with particular focus on fostering rapid development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. We investigated the types of partnerships that have emerged during the pandemic to develop these products. Using the World Health Organization's list of COVID-19 vaccine developments, we found nearly one third of all vaccine candidates were developed by partnerships, which tended to use next-gen vaccine platforms more than solo efforts. These partnerships vary substantially between materials-transfer partnerships and knowledge-sharing partnerships. The difference is important: The type of sharing between partners not only shapes the collaboration, but also bears implications for knowledge and technology development in the field and more broadly. Policies promoting fair and effective collaboration and knowledge-sharing are key for public health to avoid stumbling blocks for vaccine development, deployment, and equitable access, both for COVID-19 and expected future pandemics.