Biotechnology consulting (or biotech consulting) refers to the practice of assisting organizations involved in research and commercialization of biotechnology in improving their methods and efficiency of production, and approaches to R&D.
This assistance is usually provided in the form of specialized technological advice and sharing of expertise.
Both start-up and established organizations would hire biotechnology consultants mainly to receive an independent and professional advice from key opinion leaders, individuals with extensive knowledge and experience in a particular area of biotechnology or biological sciences, and, often, to outsource their projects for implementation by well qualified individuals.
This has also been fueled by the impact various conflicts of interests can have on commercialization when biotechnology organizations contract services from academic institutions or government scientists[1] This is exemplified by the successful emergence of many consulting companies dedicated exclusively to servicing the biotech industry.
Occasionally, university professors and Phd students engage in biotechnology consulting, either commercially or free of charge.