Lessons on Innovation: Insights from Sandoz

Today's issue is delivered by Aga Brzycka, MBA , Client Partner at Netguru.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Ma, Head of the Sandoz Innovation Lab in Germany. We explored her role in driving digital health innovation, the collaboration model at Sandoz, and the exciting future trends shaping the pharmaceutical landscape.

Dan leads the Sandoz Innovation Lab, a hub for forward-thinking projects aimed at reimagining healthcare delivery, particularly in the generics and biosimilars space. She emphasizes that the lab operates at the intersection of technology and medicine, seeking digital solutions that streamline internal processes and improve patient outcomes.

So, what did I learn about innovation at Sandoz?

Innovation thrives on collaboration. Dan shared that Sandoz employs a co-creation model, integrating internal experts with external partners like startups and universities. This approach fosters the cross-pollination of ideas, leveraging the agility of startups alongside Sandoz’s resources and expertise.

One notable collaboration she mentioned was with a digital health startup focused on AI-driven diagnostics. Together, they are developing an AI tool that helps healthcare providers predict treatment outcomes for patients using generics. This partnership exemplifies how blending expertise with cutting-edge technology can lead to patient-centric innovations.

To foster innovation, Dan highlighted the importance of giving teams the freedom to explore and even fail. The innovation lab operates like a startup, allowing for experimentation within a structured framework. Trust and recognition of small wins are crucial in motivating teams to pursue groundbreaking ideas.

Moreover, Dan believes that diverse teams lead to better innovation. Sandoz is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women can take on leadership roles and drive change.

Ultimately, innovation at Sandoz is about more than just new products; it’s about rethinking processes and improving accessibility. The most impactful innovations often focus on delivering existing treatments more efficiently.

If you're interested in learning more about how Sandoz is leading the charge in healthcare innovation, I encourage you to reach out!

Best regards, Aga