Knowledge production and commercialization from R&D: the pharmaceutical sector

Purpose The objective of this work is to demonstrate the relationships between two main processes research and development (R&D) activities: knowledge generation phase (KPP) commercialization, or transfer, (KCP), in a sector that intensive type activity, such as pharmaceutical sector. In addition, within framework general work, authors propose other objectives: (1) make advances network efficiency measurement models, (2) determine factors associated with KPP KCP companies Spain. Design/methodology/approach A Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA) model (Färe Grosskopf, 2000) categorical variables (Lee et al. , 2020; Yeh Chang, 2020) has been applied, sensitivity analysis obtained results performed through DEA variables, accordance Banker Morey (1986), corroborate proposed model. sample made up 77 Findings point greater KPP, rather than KCP. Furthermore, study finds 1) alliances have accelerating (but patents slowed down most); 2) quality R&D number personnel are most affect KPP; 3) again, benefits position market Originality/value not found studies show whether by R&D-intensive related better terms phase. No papers analyse role patents, agents facilitate phase, covering gap on both problems. Notwithstanding, opens path which improvement models (since it includes variables) assessment opinions those who responsible for departments; can be applied decision-making aspects improve companies.