Flexibility and the Marine Corps


After reading the article, " A Few Good Principles," I was struck at some of the steps the Marine Corp has taken to get itself to be be more responsive. Overall, for such a large organization it very much tried to operate like a small one. The Marine Corps is not the only large entity to try to emulate smaller ones. One generally thinks large companies can leverage economies of scale and other benefits of their size to gain a competitive advantage, and to some degree they can. However, innovation is most often the realm of smaller, nimbler companies or at least those able to replicate such a business structure.

Going into the biotech word, and the banking side in particular, I am acutely aware of how innovation is often spurred by ideas and passion. I am also keenly aware that many big pharma companies have revised their business plans to strategically partner or acquire these biotech companies instead of developing new technologies themselves. In essence, they are outsourcing innovation. This prevalence of acquisitions and partnerships, I feel, allows innovators to focus even more on their ideas knowing that when said ideas come to fruition there is a partnership to help them grow past inflection points. I feel that this period of growth is the most difficult for small, innovative companies. Cash flow issues, business management, capital access - these are all things that can cause a company to crash without the underlying innovation being faulty.

With the biotech/pharma world in mind, I wonder how socially innovative companies may be able to replicate the process seen in this space. The founders and entrepreneurs who work in both areas share similar qualities - passion for the work, new ideas, and, at least most likely, a shortage of pure business experience. While the major payoffs that a blockbuster drug gives may not be as common in social entrepreneurial ventures, I do believe the idea of being acquired or partnered with a bigger company has its appeal. Not only does this provide the expertise mentioned before, but it is a way to multiply the social impact. Large companies instantly give greater reach and resources. Therefore, could social ventures start with the idea that an acquisition is a very desirable outcome? If they do, can they focus on innovation that would impact large for profit or non-profit entities, thereby increasing the chance of partnership? I know many feel like they want to create something on their own or not be "in bed" with corporations, but if they want the highest probability of making the biggest impact, I think this would be a solid way to go. Innovation is not just creating something never seen before, but applying something that exists to a new application. Why not take the innovative world of biotech and use it as a social venture strategy?