Published on 06/04/2022
Dear Readers,
The relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and the public has changed time and again throughout history, experiencing both highs and lows – especially here in Basel. However, there has been a noticeable improvement in recent years, not least due to the industry’s vital role in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. But the pharmaceutical industry is still struggling to reach many people due to its inherent complexity. We want to change this.
With the creation of the Novartis Pavillon at the gates of the Campus, we want to improve communication and provide a space for real dialogue. We aim to create a platform that enables intellectual exchange between industry and the general public to discuss the many nuances that can often be lost in fast-paced everyday debates. This will further strengthen mutual understanding and trust in the future.
Some 20 or 30 years ago, the Pavillon – with its focus on social dialogue – would have been inconceivable in its present form. At that time, societal and economic ties had long been closely intertwined and contacts were cultivated at all levels. But the cultural understanding was different. The nature of the relationship between industry and society was one of coexistence rather than cooperation. Information was exchanged, but joint solutions were sought only to a limited extent.
This has fundamentally changed in recent years on the back of social, technological and cultural developments. Digitization has blurred the once clear boundaries between companies and their environment. And society’s call for greater participation and inclusion is clear and loud. Novartis has also changed culturally in recent decades, driven by massive social transformations and the intensive dialogue with our numerous stakeholder groups.
In addition, the major challenges of our time, such as climate change, the fight against discrimination of marginalized groups and efforts to improve global access to vital drugs, require all social agents to cooperate. Companies, public authorities, political parties, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders must join forces to achieve these major and important goals.
The Pavillon serves as a symbolic spearhead, which, of course, does not claim to offer solutions to all these challenges. Rather, it is meant to be a place where dialogue takes precedence and where
Novartis embodies the values it advocates. A committee of internal and, above all, external experts will decide upon the topics to be covered at the Novartis Pavillon, ensuring that the focus lies on the dialogue between society and industry.
The Pavillon includes an important interactive exhibition, through which we aim to familiarize the public with both the relevance and high degree of complexity of our industry. A new part of the school laboratory will also be located in the building, allowing students to acquire practical and theoretical knowledge in one place in a playful way.
For Novartis, which can look back on a company history spanning more than 250 years that would be unthinkable without the city of Basel and Switzerland, the Pavillon also represents a commitment to our home base. In the past, there have been repeated doubts as to our loyalty to the neighborhood of St. Johann. The opening of the Campus also created room for speculation that this would mark a gradual farewell to the district.
But this is not the case. On the contrary, Novartis continues to evolve and seeks to intensify dialogue and collaboration with its partners. Even though we live in a world that allows for new and easier forms of digital communication, personal contact remains an essential element of cooperation, as it promotes mutual understanding and trust – two fundamental values the Pavillon embodies.
In this special issue of live magazine, we want to give you a first glimpse of the Novartis Pavillon, trace its origins, explain the vision it stands for and – last but not least – introduce you to the people whose collective efforts made this project possible. I hope you enjoy reading this issue, and I look forward to seeing you soon and talking to many of you.
Matthias Leuenberger
Country President Novartis Switzerland
"Download Live. N°10 as PDF here!"
