Innovation enables faster adaptation and response to changes, promotes growth, and distinguishes a company from its competitors. The foundation of breakthrough innovations and good science are diverse teams and an inclusive work environment that encourages their functioning. Innovation in Novartis' technical research and development happens globally in a team of 3,500 colleagues worldwide. As the global head of innovation in TRD, Dr. Mateja Kramer ensures that we have good projects: "The foundation for innovation in the company is a good strategy, a supportive environment, an established mentoring system, and collaboration with the academic sector. In my role, I connect all systems, oversee innovation activities, and ensure we have good projects and good science. It is crucial that employees have the space and time to innovate outside their regular projects, and funds are reserved for this purpose. Thus, I organize various challenges according to the company's needs and invite colleagues to contribute ideas".
The right environment for pushing boundaries
Dr. Kramer started her career in the microbiological laboratory in Quality Control, quickly realizing that she was more interested in research work – the questions "why, how, and what" were regularly part of her vocabulary, which matched Novartis' environment and inspiring culture that encourages curiosity and supports employees in taking on new challenges. "I found myself in this culture. The company quickly recognized my curiosity and openness to new opportunities, which are not lacking at Novartis," she recalls. Throughout her career, she has been inspired by role models: "Talking about our location in Mengeš as a concept of innovation owes much to Dr. Uroš Urleb, who played an exceptional role from the beginnings of biopharmaceuticals here. It was an honor to observe how he motivated colleagues. He is both my role model and mentor".
Special mention goes to role models who occupy the most prominent positions at Novartis and prove that dedication to one's goal is the right path to success: "In Technical Research and Development, we have, for the first time in history, a woman as the global head – Despina Solomonidou, who combines her extensive knowledge with exceptional leadership skills and can inspire all scientists at Novartis and beyond," says Dr. Mateja Kramer.
The basis for good science is diverse teams
Novartis' culture of diversity and inclusion is crucial for the innovative excellence of our teams. It brings different perspectives, experiences, and knowledge, more ideas, breakthrough innovation outcomes, and ultimately better results for patients: "Inclusive science is based on everyone contributing what they are best at, and in the end, it all comes together. Innovations are not just ideas, but equally or sometimes even more important is how we put ideas into practice. From experience, I can say that women usually have highly developed creativity, communication skills, empathy, an overview of the entire project, and a sense of how to present the project and involve other stakeholders".
Numerous initiatives for more inclusive science
To encourage women in science, numerous mentoring programs at various levels and initiatives for more inclusive science are available within TRD. One of them is the WISE initiative – Women in Innovation, Science, and Engineering. "As one of the indicators of diversity, we chose the number of published scientific articles, which are often the result of innovative work. At the beginning of the initiative, the share of women in TRD who published articles was 8%, and after two years, this share is 16%. Our efforts are already noticeable, but we want to improve the result even more," says Dr. Kramer. She also adds that everyone must find their approach to career development, with many ways and opportunities at Novartis. "Here, we listen to solutions that will ultimately contribute to better science for our patients".
One of these opportunities is the so-called "drop-in sessions," regular informal meetings aimed at discussing various topics and finding solutions: "At these meetings, colleagues can share their experiences and say what would help them be part of more innovation projects, write more articles, and be more involved in innovations. Together with the management, we then look at which of these suggestions we can implement. We have many tools, initiatives, and support from the management, trust in our work, and a willingness to listen to ideas and suggestions. Now we just need to find a way for colleagues to take advantage of these opportunities," says Dr. Kramer. The events are also intended for exchanging opinions, getting to know different career paths in science within Novartis, and opportunities for advancement, as well as building a network of acquaintances.
Inclusive science is based on everyone contributing what they are best at, and in the end, it all comes together. Innovations are not just ideas, but equally or sometimes even more important is how we put ideas into practice.
Dr. Mateja Kramer
What matters is what you contribute to the World
As Nelson Mandela said: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." My message to colleagues in science is to be bold, curious, and creative. At the same time, they should maintain their qualities. They do not need to adopt the qualities of others to be successful. As they are, they are enough; they just need a bit of courage and self-confidence. In this way, they will contribute to changes, so we will have better science for better lives of our patients, and at the same time, they will leave a mark in the lives of others – colleagues, patients, and younger generations".
Cover photo: Jože Suhadolnik/Delo