Software development can teach us a lot about streamlining the research and development (R&D) process in other industries.  “Agile development”, or the process of dividing up an R&D project into smaller, more iterative segments instead of planning the entire project at its inception, is a hallmark of the software development process.  In a recently published article in Food and Beverage Insider entitled “The ‘Agile’ Path to Market: An Alternative Approach to Food Industry R&D”, Nigel Howard and Chase Brennick show how agile development can be valuable for R&D in many different contexts.   The article focuses on the suitability of agile development for R&D within the food industry, but illustrates the benefits of an agile R&D process for industries that are subject to evolving consumer preferences and rapidly changing regulatory landscapes – characteristics that are also present for companies in the digital-health space.  As described in the article, agile development could be a powerful tool to help digital health companies make their R&D more nimble and maintain greater oversight of the development process on a near-real-time basis.

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Photo of Nigel Howard Nigel Howard

For over 30 years Nigel Howard has specialized in technology transactions such as M&A, strategic alliances, licensing, distribution agreements and outsourcing. Clients range from start-ups and emerging companies to international corporations. He has led negotiations of billion dollar service agreements that were critical…

For over 30 years Nigel Howard has specialized in technology transactions such as M&A, strategic alliances, licensing, distribution agreements and outsourcing. Clients range from start-ups and emerging companies to international corporations. He has led negotiations of billion dollar service agreements that were critical to his client, and successfully handled the intellectual property and data issues on over 250 venture capital and M&A transactions.

Nigel advises clients on their proprietary rights to data and global strategies for protecting these assets. He has represented companies in transactions covering the full spectrum of AI and data-related activities—including AI deployments, data capture and storage, business and operational intelligence, analytics and visualization, personalized merchandizing, and the related cloud computing services.

Nigel is a “tremendous attorney” singled out for his detail-oriented approach, according to clients interviewed by Chambers and Partners. Peer commentators note his admirable commercial awareness, which achieves business-focused results, often in the most challenging of circumstances. He uses his extensive experience with IP and technology to advise on the commercial imperatives underlying these agreements.

Nigel has been ranked by Chambers Global, Chambers USA, Legal 500, Best Lawyers in America, and Who’s Who in American Law. He is frequent speaker on AI, data, distribution, and technology legal issues. His past and current clients include American Airlines, the American Bankers Association, American Express, AstraZeneca, British Airways, Brown Brothers Harriman, Cathay Pacific, Cisco, CoBank, DoubleClick, Etihad, HPE, Farelogix, Iberia, Mars, Merck, Merrill Lynch, Microsoft, NCR, the NFL, Novartis, P&G, Philippine Airlines, Promontory Financial, Singapore Airlines, Teva, TouchTunes, UBS, and Wyeth.

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Photo of Chase Brennick Chase Brennick

Chase Brennick delivers practical, creative solutions to her clients’ most complex contractual and supply chain challenges, particularly in high-stakes, regulated environments.

Chase is a strategic commercial counselor with deep experience advising companies that produce tangible products in highly regulated industries. She has advised…

Chase Brennick delivers practical, creative solutions to her clients’ most complex contractual and supply chain challenges, particularly in high-stakes, regulated environments.

Chase is a strategic commercial counselor with deep experience advising companies that produce tangible products in highly regulated industries. She has advised more than 50 companies in the food and beverage, medical device, and consumer products industries, while maintaining a cross-industry practice that enables her to bring a fresh, commercially grounded perspective to her clients’ most pressing concerns.

Chase helps clients structure and negotiate the high stakes commercial agreements that keep businesses moving, often in the face of supply chain disruption, challenging counterparties, and rapid shifts in technology and market dynamics. She guides clients in navigating changes in the commercial landscape and positioning their contractual relationships for long-term success, including through implementation of digital transformation initiatives and the adoption of data driven and AI-enabled tools.

Chase’s experience spans the full product lifecycle, including product development and collaborations, supply and manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing, and sponsorships, as well as the IP, technology, and data considerations that underpin modern product businesses. Through her representation of both early-stage and large, publicly traded companies, Chase develops practical compromises designed to move deals to execution. She brings a business-minded negotiation style to the table, with a focus on building durable commercial relationships and supporting sustainable growth.

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