Navigating the future of life science: Geopolitical challenges & Sweden’s strategic position

The global life science landscape is shifting rapidly under geopolitical tensions, technological advances, and competition for innovation and capital. How can Sweden and the Nordics stay globally competitive and continue to be a leading country and region in life science?

Keynote speaker Olalla Grau, General Manager for Roche AB, will explore how the global pharmaceutical industry is evolving and what these changes mean for Sweden and the Nordics. Drawing on her international career – and reflecting on her first 9 months in Sweden, contrasting local dynamics with her global experience – she will examine the industry’s changing approach to R&D, strategic investments, and external collaboration.

Amid escalating competitive pressure from global powerhouses like the US and China, Sweden possesses a unique opportunity to leverage its collaborative mindset. While acknowledging the geopolitical challenges and resource constraints regional healthcare systems face, Olalla will address how empowering regions with the necessary tools, capacity, and resources can turn these challenges into a competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways

• The changing global landscape: Navigating geopolitical shifts and intense competitive pressure from China and the US to keep Sweden and the Nordics resilient.
• Inside industry strategy: What drives strategic decisions at a global pharmaceutical company like Roche.
• The power of collaboration: Leveraging Sweden's unique collaborative mindset to ensure the region remains a top-tier destination for global pharmaceutical R&D and strategic investment.

Registration

Please note that the number of seats is limited, and attendance is by personal invitation only. If you are an executive leader and interested in joining the seminar, please reach out to Sarah Lidé, Deputy CEO at Medicon Village Innovation (sarah.lide@mediconvillage.se).

Short Biography

Olalla Grau has over 20 years of experience in leadership roles at Roche globally and other actors within the life science sector. She has a research background in pharmacy and biochemistry and has worked for many years with strategy and business development within the pharmaceutical industry.

Programme

16:30-17:00 Registration, drinks, and networking

17:00-17:05 Welcome and introduction

Petter Hartman, CEO, Medicon Village Innovation.

17:05-17:50 Navigating the future of life science: Geopolitical challenges & Sweden's strategic position

Presentation by Olalla Grau, General Manager for Roche AB.

Followed by Q&A and discussion moderated by Sarah Lidé, Deputy CEO, Medicon Village Innovation.

17:50-19:30 Dinner and networking