Platform technology

Platform technology is a term for technology that enables the creation of products and processes that support present or future or past development. It establishes the long-term capabilities of research & development institutes. It can be defined as a structural or technological form from which various products can emerge without the expense of a new process/technology introduction.

In computing platforms, for example, computer hardware serves as platform for an operating system which in turn is a platform for Enterprise Infrastructure Software which in turn is a platform for application software. Transport infrastructure similarly serves as platform for vehicles.

A pharmaceutical platform technology can ease future research work. Suppose if a researcher formulates a new dosage form using a certain drug along with the optimized amount of excipients, then the same excipients can be used by other researchers, just changing the active ingredient and acquiring a new drug delivery dosage form. This would ensure less time and money being spent on finalizing the concentration, amount, type, etc. of excipients used. Thus, more stress can be given on studies related to the active drug. For example, if an eye drop solution uses certain polymers as excipients, then a platform technology can be established whereby other researchers can use the optimized polymers, and just change the active drug, leading to formulation of a whole new drug-dosage, with less money and time spent on the selection of the excipients.

Thus, Platform technology creates a platform for the researchers to formulate new drug-dosages, without working much on the already optimized excipients.

Automobile platforms allow a motor company such as VW to release several vehicles built upon a common chassis (platform) with different engines, interiors and form factors, for the same or different brands within the company (VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat etc.).

A platform technology increases the ease of manufacture. Fewer parts/sub-assemblies need be designed, made, and kept in inventory, and assembly workers don't need so much training.