Would you like research with that?
I've previously written about the desire of Indian companies to move up the value chain from a back-office transaction processor to a value-added business partner. An article about the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca illustrates the point. They recently signed a contract with Cognizant Technology Solutions to provide electronic support for AstraZeneca's research efforts. This includes the hiring and training of clinical investigators.
The article puts it this way:
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has signed a $95m (£47m) deal with Indian outsourcing firm Cognizant to provide electronic support to its research and development (R&D) operations.
The five-year contract will require Cognizant to provide a range of services, data management planning, medical coding, and the training of clinical investigators.
The agreement is part of AstraZeneca's wider plans to improve the effectiveness of its R&D projects, according to Anders Ekblom, vice president of clinical development.
“Delivering efficiencies through reshaping our business is one of our key strategic priorities,” said Ekblom.
The article notes that the two companies had an existing relationship as Cognizant has been supporting AstraZeneca globally. Companies will continue to look to outsourcers like Cognizant to help "deliver efficiencies through reshaping our business". Companies like AstraZeneca understand that the use of selective outsourcing can greatly facilitate that goal.