Review

Over 150 senior executives attended Economist Conferences' 16th annual Pharma Summit on February 11th, to compare their visions for the future of the industry and debate strategic responses to some of the dramatic changes taking place. Chief Executives from some of the world's biggest pharma companies, including AstraZeneca's David Brennan, put forward challenging views on how the industry's leaders should address the increasing need to innovate and keep up with the evolving healthcare system.  
 
Discussions focussed on some of the forces changing healthcare, and speakers shared inspiring examples of how these are driving innovation. Examples included the partnership between Bayer Healthcare and Nintendo to develop a toy that helps children manage their diabetes, and Novartis' idea to gather valuable data on the medical needs of rural communities in India by working with local postmen who know the families well. Participants debated some of the most exciting ideas in the industry on how to embrace trends like disruptive technology, power shifts towards emerging markets and the kind of rapid consumer empowerment that has already revolutionised other industries.  
 
Feedback from the event was extremely positive and we look forward to seeing how these ideas will have developed by the next year's summit.

Feedback included:

"Very good. Provided perspective into Pharma and how it fits in with healthcare and the importance of emerging markets."
Country President, Novartis India

"Very inspiring. Great speakers, excellent format."
Director of Corporate Communications, UCB

"Very good. Great format, good panels and good speakers."
SVP, Nycomed

"If you want an overview of where the industry is and where it needs to be and you are involved in global healthcare then this is the event to attend."
CEO, Zaicom International