So much is happening in emerging markets these days: India’s biotechnology sector is the third-largest in the Asia-Pacific region (after Australia and China) and has tripled in size in just the last five years. And according the most recent Ernst & Young Beyond Borders report, India is in the sweet spot to explore molecular diagnostics and capitalize on its existing strength in biosimilars. The same report notes that Brazil is already a leader in agricultural biotech and biofuels, but future growth will be shaped by its evolving intellectual property policies.

Clearly, emerging markets are increasingly important players in the biotech industry. At next Monday’s Partnering for Global Health Forum, decision makers from emerging markets will come together at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, to discuss how the growing economic power of emerging economies can be combined with global health interests. Speakers include Dr. Maharaj K. Bhan, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology of India; Dr. Bongi Gumede of South Africa's Technology Innovation Agency (TIA); Minister Lino Barañao of Argentina's Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovative Production; Julio Ramundo, Director at the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES); and G. Steven Burrill, CEO of Burrill & Company.

Without enabling policies and strategic government relationships, the ability to establish key partnerships and create real solutions for the unmet needs of global health can be next to nil. During the Forum, Dr. Bhan will share his experiences in policy development for vaccines and new medicines to address maternal and child health needs in India. He has received numerous awards in the areas of biotechnology product development and commercialization, pediatrics, and medical research in India and throughout Asia.

Dr. Gumede will share guidance on how to create avenues for collaborations to produce innovative health interventions with researchers and manufacturers in South Africa. TIA was established to stimulate technological growth by enhancing the country’s capacity to translate local R&D into commercial technology products and services. Dr. Gumede has developed strategic partnerships with numerous key stakeholders, making him an unparalleled expert in national systems of innovation, particularly in Africa.

Sharing insights into the opportunities within Argentina’s scientific development arena, Minister Barañao will reflect on his vast professional experience in experimental biology and medicine, as well as animal research. Minister Barañao has received many awards during his career, and his opinion columns have helped shape the path for Argentina as it becomes a key global actor in the world of science and technology.

Mr. Ramundo will highlight pathways into the Brazilian market, drawing on his experience at the BNDES, where he has served in numerous executive positions since 1992. Mr. Ramundo’s career has spanned the fields of international trade, information technology, economics, and social assistance, making him an expert in navigating the opportunities for international collaboration with Brazil’s key research and development entities.

As a pioneer in the biotechnology industry, Mr. Burrill will share his insights into how businesses can create sustainable, win-win partnerships internationally. Mr. Burrill chaired the National Research Council study on linkages in biotechnology between Japan and the United States, and he was involved with the U.S.-Japan Science and Technology Agreement Study of Technology Transfer Mechanisms. Mr. Burrill has received numerous accolades for his work in the biotech field, including awards from Scientific American, American Liver Foundation, and BayBio Pantheon Ceremony.

Addressing the pressing unmet medical needs of the world’s poorest requires collaborations across borders. Join us at the 2011 Partnering for Global Health Forum and be a part of the critical debates between the emerging market leaders and top global health and biotech decision makers who are paving the way for new successes in global health R&D.

Lindsay Michel is Associate, External Affairs, at BIO Ventures for Global Health