Innovation as Strategy: Enabling life sciences of the future

Innovation continues to drive the life sciences industry forward, propelled by the accelerating pace and expansive scope of digital transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a defining factor.

From revolutionising research and development to streamlining commercialisation processes, the latest technological advancements and business processes, as well as the evolving demands across health systems, have added a new layer of complexity and significance. Staying ahead in this evolving space is now more challenging, yet more critical, than ever. Innovation has shifted from being a mere “nice to have” to an indispensable element determining an organisation’s success.

‘Innovation’ is not something that should be relegated to one division or department. Rather, it is a mindset that should be embraced across the entire organisation. When harnessed correctly, it can act as a catalyst to drive others forward, do things that have never been done before, take measured risks, and adapt to new realities.

Thus, an innovative mindset must be adopted across all business units to stay ahead and tackle the most pressing healthcare challenges of our time.

Join the team at Healthware Group, an EVERSANA INTOUCH Agency, on Monday 25th of March at 15:00 GMT / 16:00 CET / 11:00 EDT as they explore their “Innovation as Strategy” framework, providing a guide for employing innovative strategies in life sciences. These expert panellists will reflect on what ‘Innovation as Strategy’ means to them, offering their perspectives, along with practical advice and real-world examples.

The webinar will cover the following key areas:

• Digital transformation of brands
• Connected experiences
• Reimagining scientific exchange
• Change management & shifting capabilities
• Data driven enterprise
• Digital Medical Devices and emerging business models

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to innovate across business units, with inspiration for venturing into new technologies, approaches, and processes.

About the panel

Roberto Ascione is a pioneer in digital health and a recognised thought leader, people-inspiring founder, serial entrepreneur and global manager. He is currently CEO at Healthware Group, a global health innovation and technology leader, now part of EVERSANA.

Roberto is author of the book "The Future of Health" (Wiley) and "Il Futuro della Salute" (Hoepli), Chairman at Frontiers Health, one of the leading healthcare innovation conferences globally, and Adjunct Professor at the School of Management of the POLIMI (Politecnico di Milano).

He is a regular keynote speaker at global events, has been recognised as a Decade’s Best Industry Leader by Health 2.0 and is founding advisor to the Digital Therapeutics Alliance (DTA).

Roberto is also CEO of the venture builder Future Health Ventures (formerly known as Healthware Ventures), sitting on the board of several portfolio companies.

Fulvio Fortini is Healthware Group's Managing Director. With more than 20 years of experience, he channels his passion for digital technology as an expert in the health and wellness sector. His experience spans areas such as human-technology interactions and he has held multiple strategic roles in various company structures.

James May is Managing Director, Healthware Engage. He has over 30 years of experience in communications, advertising, media, and digital, including over a decade with leading Agency Holding Groups in London. He has also lived and worked for 20 years in high-growth markets like China, Russia, South America, and South-East Asia. His diverse portfolio spans FMCG, finance, automotive, retail, technology, and luxury sectors, where he has built market-leading brands for global organisations.

Francis Mahmud Namouk is Managing Director, Healthware MedComms & Events. He is an accomplished entrepreneur who co-founded Streaming Well and SWM, both video production agencies focused on the life sciences industry. His passion is to improve patient outcomes by focusing on creative storytelling and immersive learning experiences. He has over 20 years of medical and digital communications expertise within the life sciences and consumer health sector.

Ariel Salmang is Chief Growth Officer, Healthware Group and Managing Director, EVERSANA INTOUCH International. Salmang has 25+ years of providing impactful digital strategies and implementation across multiple industries, from media and FMCG to telecommunications and healthcare, where he has spent the last decade focusing on the digital evolution of pharma companies and the creation of impactful digital brand and sales drivers. He is a published author and contributor to various blogs, as well as a regular speaker at conferences and industry events.

Alberta Spreafico, a global health innovator with 10+ years of experience, serves as managing director of Digital Health & Innovation at Healthware Group. She co-founded and directed global health innovation programmes, integrating digital health technologies to enhance healthcare quality and equity. Spreafico leads strategic advisory services, fostering the systemic integration and adoption of digital medical devices and innovations across healthcare systems and care pathways. As a TedX speaker and prolific author, she contributes to enhancing global access to quality care. Spreafico also holds roles as Knowledge Partner for DTx Policies in Europe and is involved in various scientific and policy committees. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pavia and advises for adequate digital health policies.

Dr Paul Tunnah is Chief Content Officer & Managing Director, Healthware Group. He is an entrepreneur who founded the industry-leading publication pharmaphorum, as well as a recognised author, speaker, moderator, and industry advisor, who is passionate about helping organisations tell authentic stories that resonate and unlock the power of digital and social media in connecting with stakeholders.