Beyond borders: Japanese life sciences organizations evolving for global growth

Driven by domestic economic and industry-specific challenges, many Japan-headquartered life sciences organizations are looking at greater globalization as a catalyst for growth and innovation. Recognizing the unique characteristics of these organizations, Deloitte firms across key regions such as the United States and Europe offer tailored services supported by resources who understand the culture and know how to navigate between stakeholders and their needs across regions.

While the organizations may have different approaches and are at varying stages of their globalization journey, recent discussions with executives, both headquartered in Japan and outside of Japan, revealed common challenges.

This realization prompted Deloitte Japan, US, and UK to delve deeper, not only to validate these challenges but also to understand how organizations have navigated them and the lessons learned in doing so. Discussions were then extended to non-Japan-headquartered life sciences organizations and cross-industry Japan-headquartered organizations to see if there were insights that could be gained from their experiences.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to globalize an organization. It requires a nuanced approach, tailored to the specific needs and goals of each organization. In this paper, experiences and leading practices are discussed to provide Japan-headquartered life sciences organizations with the tools and knowledge necessary to enable global success. The intent is to foster a deeper understanding of cross-regional and sociocultural dynamics and inspire confidence in navigating the complexities of international expansion. By embracing globalization, these organizations can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth.