Why We think that a Collaborative Culture is Key to Being Successful

At Daiichi Sankyo, collaboration is deeply ingrained in our culture and part of our core behaviours. That’s why we approached Markus Kosch, our head of Oncology Europe and Canada, to share his perspective on the importance of collaboration.

Thought #1: Collaboration can have a significant impact on research and development

Collaboration within the pharmaceutical industry can have a significant impact on research and development, as it allows pairing the core value proposition with technological solutions in terms of prevention, diagnostics, and treatment, resulting in unprecedented patient impact. In the past, it was common practice to offer all solutions in-house. Today, it is unrealistic for a pharma company to think of building all innovation in house due to speed, scalability and resource constrains. Frequently, coming up with innovative solutions that have high-visibility is no small task and stakes are high-especially considering patient as an end user. Therefore, it makes sense to actively look for new market collaborations to bridge the gap between practicality and innovation, paving the way for the next generation in patient care.

Thought #2: Collaboration serves as a value creation network

Never before have we begun to embrace a more collaborative way of working to help overcome some of the challenges the industry is facing, and the benefits for said collaborations are tremendous. The ability to collaborate with biotechnology, medical technology and healthcare providers serves as a value creation network, allowing bespoke treatment services to be created for patients. These types of collaborations are setting players apart in the industry, and thoughtful partnerships are bolstering the success of pharmaceutical companies.

Thought #3: Collaboration to go beyond-the-pill

Perhaps one of the most significant benefit which pharmaceutical collaboration can offer is beyond-the-pill services to patients. For decades we have been providing pills, drugs, and medicines, but now pharma has moved beyond-the-pill and can offer a fully integrated healthcare solution that offers support on both ends of the treatment spectrum, through the advancements in digital products and services. The ambition of end-to-end healthcare solutions is now a reality with the support of outside agencies. As pharmaceutical collaborations progress, we give more power to the patients’ voice, allowing them to contribute to designing healthcare programmes. As such, patients are no longer subject to being passive receivers of healthcare, but instead want to help shape it around their needs.

Pharma isn’t changing, it’s already changed.

Traditionally, pharmaceutical companies may not have embraced collaborative working enough, but now it has become a necessity and we are likely to continue seeing it become more common. The industry is recognising the expertise that is available outside of its four walls, and the endless opportunity this brings to all who work within the pharmaceutical industry.