Despite the many basic research discoveries in genetics, relatively few gene-based treatments, drugs, or preventative measures have been developed. One way to bridge this gap may be for industry, academia, and government to develop partnerships that share resources while distributing risk. However, intellectual property protections and other barriers can inhibit collaborative efforts. The Institute of Medicine held a workshop on July 22, 2010, to explore these issues and develop solutions.Table of ContentsFront Matter1 Introduction2 A Lesson About Precompetitive Collaboration3 Requisites for Successful Precompetitive Collaboration4 Frameworks for Collaboration5 The Use of Biospecimens in Precompetitive Collaborations6 Ethical Challenges in the Use of Biospecimens7 Toward Developing a Cultural, Legal, and Behavioral Framework for Precompetitive CollaborationReferencesAppendix A: Workshop AgendaAppendix B: Speaker Biographical Sketches