How Novo Nordisk achieved fast-paced innovation in a highly regulated industry

Pharma company Novo Nordisk’s internal innovation incubator project has demonstrated why communication is the key to efficient, effective change management

Novo Nordisk, an international pharmaceutical company, has been able to strike a balance between meeting stringent regulatory requirements and being an agile innovator – even when faced with resistance to change. Vanessa Roknic, director of digital transformation and innovation at Novo Nordisk, shared the case study of the company’s internal innovation incubator, which was developed to lead the way in fast-paced change while still meeting all regulatory compliance requirements.

The incubator has been designed for the needs of the US market, with the aim of understanding customer problems, finding solutions and delivering value to customers and the company. Roknic used his platform at PEX Live: Change Management and Culture Change for Business Transformation 2022 to urge brands to “embrace resistance” and keep the lines of communication open with all stakeholders when undergoing a comprehensive change management process.

She gave the example of updating processes for contracting and market research, which were slow and inefficient. To develop processes that were more flexible and allowed for swift pivots when required, Roknic said the team worked closely with procurement partners, regulatory bodies and legal experts to win broad buy-in.