3 questions to our new board member: Julian Bertschinger, Head EMEA, External Scientific Innovation at Johnson & Johnson
You have worked intensively on innovation throughout your career, most recently as EMEA Head of External Scientific Innovation. What has changed in pharmaceutical research over the past 10 years – and what has remained the same?
The growing influence of AI on pharmaceutical research has particularly made preclinical research more efficient, and pharmacological approaches that seemed impossible 10 years ago are increasingly being pursued in promising ways. What has remained the same is that all new drugs have to be tested for efficacy and safety in complex clinical trials. This time- and resource-intensive process will continue to be indispensable in the future.
In light of international developments, Switzerland’s position as a research hub is coming under increasing pressure. What do you think needs to change to ensure that research in Switzerland remains successful going forward?
Switzerland is still well positioned, with its outstanding universities and its various research facilities run by leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies. However, international competition has become much stronger – China, in particular, is investing heavily in research and is increasingly producing its own innovations. Switzerland must therefore ensure that it continues to provide the best framework conditions for research and development, so that these activities are not relocated to other countries. Because research knows no borders.
As a member of the Interpharma Board of Directors, how do you want to contribute to strengthening Switzerland as a research location?
In Switzerland, we need to train the best talent, become more willing to take risks, and attract more capital for research and development in order to strengthen our position as a research location. I am committed to promoting these factors and strengthening Switzerland’s position as a leading centre of innovation – naturally in close cooperation with the scientific community, policymakers and industry.