Beyond borders: Japanese life sciences organisations evolving for global growth

Driven by domestic economic and industry-specific challenges, many Japan-headquartered life sciences organisations are looking at greater globalisation as a catalyst for growth and innovation. Recognising the unique characteristics of these organisations, 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 organisations may have different approaches and are at varying stages of their globalisation journey, recent discussions with executives, both headquartered in Japan and outside of Japan, revealed common challenges.

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

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to globalise an organisation. It requires a nuanced approach, tailored to the specific needs and goals of each organisation. In this paper, experiences and leading practices are discussed to provide Japan-headquartered life sciences organisations 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 globalisation, these organisations can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation and achieve sustainable growth.