OVERVIEW
This SMS Extension is designed for both scholars and practitioners, spotlighting cutting-edge strategy research in the vibrant and ever-evolving biopharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Engage in conversations about innovation dynamics, regulatory challenges, competitive advantage, and strategic decision-making. Contribute to the development of actionable insights that advance theory and drive real-world impact. This workshop is more than just academic—it is a unique platform that brings together leading researchers and industry professionals for meaningful dialogue, collaborative discovery, and a deeper understanding of strategy in high-stakes environments. Be part of a community shaping the future of strategic thinking in healthcare and beyond.
Date and Time: Friday, October 10th, 2025 at 8:30AM- 4:30PM PDT
Location: EO Studio: 2500 Mason St., San Francisco CA 94133
Registration Fees:
- SMS Members: $100 USD
- Non-Members: $125 USD
TENTATIVE PROGRAM AND SCHEDULE
8:50-9: Opening Remarks
- Sukhun Kang, Assistant Professor, University of California Santa Barbara
- Sandip Bisui, Assistant Professor, Purdue University
9-9:15: Opening Keynote
- Anita McGahan, Professor, University of Toronto
9:20-10:30 Academic Presentation: Session 1
- Paper 1 (15 min): MinJung Kim, Assistant Professor, Korea University
- Paper 2 (15 min): Wesley Greenblatt, Researcher, Harvard Medical School
- Discussion by Academic Scholar: Colleen Cunningham, Assistant Professor, University of Utah
10:30-10:45: Coffee Break & Networking Opportunities
10:45-12 Academic Panel: “Why Biopharma? Important, interesting, and true”
30 minutes presentations
- Francisco Polidoro, Professor of Management, University of Texas Austin
- Riitta Katilla, Professor of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University
- Lamar Pierce, Professor of Strategy, Washington University in St. Louis
45 minutes Q&A
- Moderated by Sandip Bisui, Assistant Professor, Purdue University
12-1: Lunch
1-2:30 Academic Presentation: Session 2
- Paper 3 (15 min): Ambar La Forgia, Assistant Professor, University of California Berkeley
- Paper 4 (15 min): Giacomo Marchesini, Assistant Professor, Copenhagen Business School
- Paper 5 (15 min): Sungyong Chang, Assistant Professor, Cornell University
- Discussion by Academic Scholar: John Eklund, Assistant Professor, University of Southern California
2:30-3:00: Coffee Break & Networking Opportunities
3-4:30 Industry Panel: “What Strategy Means in Practice”
45 minutes presentation
- Cornelia Irl, VP at Genetech
- Joshua Elkington, Managing Partner at Axial
- Peng Leong, Chief Business Officer at BioAge Labs
45 minutes fireside chat and Q&A
- Moderated by Sukhun Kang, Assistant Professor, University of California Santa Barbara
4.30-6: Optional Walking to Pier 39
6-9: Informal Dinner and Networking Opportunity (TBD)
LOGISTICS
- 13 minutes Uber ride from the conference hotel
- 30 minutes train ride from the conference hotel
- 40 minutes walk from the conference hotel
Event Sponsors
