Niclas Nilsson
The Power List 2017 – Industry Influencers
Niclas Nilsson
Head of R&D Open Innovation, LEO Pharma
Niclas is spearheading an initiative to use truly open innovation at the core of drug research, with a focus on science and external collaborations. Prior to setting up the LEO Pharma Open Innovation platform, Niclas was heading the molecular pharmacology department. He says he has a passion for pushing boundaries and is a strong believer of inter-disciplinary science. He is now exploring how to disrupt traditional partnering to promote mutually beneficial and more open ways to collaborate across barriers and borders. “Together we will boost innovation with opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t happen, and it starts by sharing. Freely moving science will unleash innovation to reach new heights that would benefit us all, young and old, rich and poor.”
Pivotal moment
Being pushed out of my comfort zone a couple of years ago allowed me to completely rethink how things were done. Initially this was scary, but ultimately very positive and powerful.
Predictions
The science industry, as a whole, will come to realize that the real power of innovation comes from diversity, creativity, exploration and trust. Opening up and combining research platforms without traditional business restraints will ultimately benefit all players in the ecosystem, biotechs, pharma industry, government, payers, health care professionals and patients. It’s not a about taking from one and giving to another – it’s about creating mutual benefits for all, with what we have.
