Since inception the world’s scientific ecosystem has constantly evolved. But now the changes are seemingly more rapid and more intense. The overall processes have become more knowledge-based and, at the same time, the costs have increased several folds. Recent advances provide promising scientific foundations, but the time path and outcomes remain subject to many risks and uncertainties. The paradigm of conventional mass production has possibly reached a limit and the fundamental rules of engagement are changing drastically.

One of the biggest challenges is to translate the impact of changes on operating models in a holistic way, to adapt swiftly and decisively to disruption while maintaining an operational good mood. Our industry has an outstanding record of innovative performance and our manufacturing methodology has significantly evolved, and yet there is room for profound improvement.

We must learn to create new models. Like flexible infrastructures emphasizing virtual partnerships, valuing human knowledge and skills, capable of delivering quality while addressing uncertainty and complexity through rapid change. The results of efficient and scientifically sound manufacturing methodologies, such as the lean-but-not-mean approach, gave rise to significant innovations. While innovation in the first wave benefit a limited population, it is a matter of time before it spreads to the world’s demographics.

We think that pharmaceutical laboratories that manage to embrace the most appropriate human-factor archetype and master disruption, while keeping the overall focus, have the greatest chance to deliver tangible added-value to humanity, which in turn drive its success. We also think it’s important to develop a balanced transition roadmap that addresses the multiple and significant risks and possibilities facing the business while aiming at quality improvement, innovation, waste reduction, flexibility to meet new challenges and creating healthy and enjoyable workspaces.

KABS / Where ideas can connect.

Innovation comes from creating environments where ideas can connect. We are surrounded by possibilities that are infinite and the purpose of science is to grasp that infinitude and translate it in terms of possibilities. We must learn to explore all the options and possibilities that confront us in a complex and rapidly changing world.

Sometimes all it takes is a subtle shift in perspective, an opening of the mind, an intentional pause and reset, or a new route to start to see new options and new possibilities. The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react. To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative thinking and marks real advance in science.

Every once in a while, a new technology, an old problem, and a big idea turn into an innovation. Successful research projects are the result of a commitment to precision, insightful planning, cohesive team-effort and last but not least taking into account the limits of our present day understanding. Advancing knowledge, discovering new ways requires to know our limits and then manage to go beyond. Because everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done.

Science means constantly walking a tightrope between expertise and creativity; between experience and curiosity; in short, between an old today and a new tomorrow. Science is a way of thinking. The only constant is change. The power of science is to make life better for people. And to help us reach the full potential of our human experience.Science needs to go forward. Toward it’s truest becoming.

A team of scientist is not very different than a full orchestra. Each one with its highly-skilled expertise and yet responding to a group objective. And eventually making the most beautiful music. Becoming a high-performing team doesn’t happen by accident. It is a result of deliberate action and learning. It is the relationships within the orchestra that ensure collective achievement: listening to each other, adjusting our individual volume and dynamics, and the give and take that ensures an outstanding performance.

Building effective relationships at work is the key to individual and team success. It means going beyond the transactional, basic duties of our job, and paying attention to the transformational aspects, the interpersonal dynamics that bring people together.Team spirit is a genuine consideration for others. An eagerness to sacrifice personal interests for the welfare of all. We must have consideration for others if we are going to develop our own capabilities, and we must work together for the welfare of all. In group work, it is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one worries about who will get the credit.

No chain is stronger than its weakest link; no team is stronger than its weakest player. One player attempting to “grandstand” can wreck the best team ever organized. We must be “one for all and all for one” with everyone giving his very best every second of the game. The team is first, individual credit is second. Selfishness, egotism or envy only weakens a team.

One thing we’ve learned is that it’s all about the people. The people in front. The people behind. It’s people that make it work, that make it happen. It’s people that make the choices and make the changes. It’s people that do the right thing, that make things right.

The star of the team is the team. Team spirit needs to be nurture. It does help if team members know that their personal goals only have a chance of being accomplished if the team accomplishes its goals. Winning teams are characterized by unselfish team play. You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone without the thought of repayment. People are slowly but constantly evolving. Redefining their goals, setting new objective. With life’s many challenges we are under constant strain to revisit our purpose in our quest for meaning and understanding.

No man is an island, especially in a scientific organization. Creating a team environment in a company does not come easy. Teams are not born, they’re built. Making individuals realize that they are part of one team is the best antidote to an insular, narrow-minded work attitude. This will engender a willingness on the part of everyone to pull in one direction. Toward our fullest potential.

There’s a mystical law of nature that the three things that mankind craves most—freedom, happiness and peace of mind—cannot be attained without giving them to someone else. As the saying goes, by uniting all of the members of a team to work toward their shared goal, we can transform mountains into gold.

Creating environments where people can connect, enabling people to be their best, empowering them to make it happen is a constant challenge. Because the only constant is change.