Strategic Outsourcing with Contract Research Organizations: Targeting Corporate Goals

Abstract

There is an opportunity to take the contract research organization (CRO)/sponsor relationship to a new level of performance with the implementation of a comprehensive outsourcing strategy that becomes part of a corporate culture. The strategy starts with macro choices that drill down to determine micro processes. If a sponsor company can answer the why, how, and what questions for outsourcing and train internal staff accordingly, then a formula is created to optimize CRO relationships. Performance metrics are then closely aligned with corporate goals and driven by a tactical level modeled for the future. With a cohesive plan, the organizational, cultural, and management differences at all levels within a company become secondary to the focus on corporate results.