Discussion:
Q1. What benefits do the presence of for-profit corporations bring to the health care industry? Would the industry be better off if it was com- posed primarily of not-for-profit and public entities, as it was thirty years ago?
Q2. During the first year or two of its existence, what reasons are there for a biotech startup to engage in any sort of strategic planning? This is a time when the venture's resources are stretched to the limit and all its attention is focused on bringing its first product to market. Are there any disadvantages for the firm if it fails to think about long-term strategy?
Q3. Review the reasons why it is hard for public agencies to practice strategic planning. As a citizen whose interests those agencies are meant to represent, what changes in government principles and rac- tices would you be willing to accept so that they could take a longer range perspective?