The hybrid model is a successful and profitable one in theory. However, this success lies in the proper management of the lab -- which has proven to be problematic.

It is becoming increasingly expensive to both obtain patents and defend them in lawsuits should the need arise. An alternative is protecting your right to commercialize an invention through the strategy of defensive publications.

"If you're not allowed to laugh in heaven, I don't want to go there" -- Martin Luther

Once in my early days as a bench chemist, lab notebooks were collected to serve as evidence in a patent law suit. This experience put the fear into me. I learned a lesson in all aspects of documentation and in reporting defensible data.

PIs have an abundance of responsibilities, serving on academic committees, teaching, running a lab, writing papers and grants, and management duties are some of the requirements. In this maze of tasks, it's easy to forget one of the most important aspects of the job–mentoring.

The pace of change and growth in the pharmaceutical and biotech environment means that most companies face the daunting task of relocating laboratories at some stage in their development

Employees often have ideas to help make their companies more productive and profitable. An employee involvement program is not merely a variation on the "suggestion box" but an opportunity to improve process and outcomes.