ON eNews
September 2020
New Season – New Tricks – Great Opportunities This is a return to school period like no other any of us have likely experienced. Uncertainty abounds and whilst that continues to bring its challenges, it also offers opportunity. The past months have seen record levels of some activity. Approximately fifty biotech IPOs in the US, phenomenal progress in vaccine development thus far and cross-industry open innovation at a scale even the most ardent supporter could scarcely have imagined back in 2020. With the disruption to the norm, we have all been required to adopt and learn new ways of interacting to initiate deals, share knowledge and engage. Our collective default setting is often to resist change, yet resistance is usually futile, but we all get there sooner or later – we have perhaps just arrived there ahead of schedule on some aspects. Of course, adopting new tricks does not have to mean the old ones are obsolete. When Johan Cruyff, introduced his now legendary ‘Cruyff Turn’ nearly half a century ago, it did not mean his existing skills were no longer required. As with most skills, it is about using them when appropriate and they add value. The dynamic approach by regulators during Covid-19 has been quite remarkable. Akshay Vaishnaw of Alnylam explained their experiences with the FDA during ON Helix back in July and we continue to see discussions around how to expedite the introduction of a vaccine as I write. Collaborations stepped up a gear, bringing hitherto competitors together quickly and productively, dealing with IP ownership has been creative in the contracts and how often do the top engineers in Formula 1 teams engage with clinicians to design ventilators. It has been a time of development on the events activity also. With the switch to online, the creation of new partnering events and the adaptation of established ones has seen a rapid spike. Technology platforms have developed quickly but so has attendee behaviour to make them work. It is clear not all change is detrimental whether the rate is forced a little or not. I have seen many surveys and reports of the pros and cons of the impacts on events, training courses and networking. It would be easy to concentrate on what we have lost though equally easy to consider what we have gained. Considering how to keep the positive whilst mitigating the negative impact has been the focus at One Nucleus. Is there pride in being the first to return to pre-Covid patterns of delivery and resisting change or is there greater pride to be found in being innovative, retaining some of the adaptations and seeking to harness the best value over all? I have always felt that One Nucleus is very fortunate to work in one of the most innovative sectors there is. The flip side being we should seek to be innovative in how we support our members and the network to justify our place in the ecosystem. I feel it is best not to fear change, but better to consider what the right change is for longer-term benefit then work out the how.