Nordic Life Science 1
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aborations T E X T B Y M AL IN O T M ANI Maersk Tower, Copenhagen B I G PHARMA Novo Nordisk to reduce its workforce by 9,000 Novo Nordisk intends to reduce the global workforce by approximately 9,000 of the 78,400 positions in the company, with around 5,000 reductions expected in Denmark. "OUR MARKETS ARE evolDENM A R K Innovation District Copenhagen’s vision plan has been presented On September 9, 2025, the Danish Government, the City of Copenhagen, the University of Copenhagen, and a broad consortium of partners presented a vision plan for Innovation District Copenhagen. THE POLITICAL AGREEMENT for the upcoming innovation district in Copenhagen, focusing on life science and quantum technology, will be subject to political review in the City of Copenhagen during the autumn. “Innovation District Copenhagen is our response to the Draghi report’s call for action – namely, that we renew our growth model, create a stronger foundation for collaboration between the public and private sectors, and build strategic autonomy and European competitiveness through innovation. Denmark has world-class research environments, and together with the government, the City of Copenhagen, and all our excellent partners, we are now setting a joint course to create a world-leading innovation district, which will serve as a strong springboard to transform our knowledge and research strengths in areas such as quantum technology and life science into new technologies, solutions, businesses, and jobs – for the benefit of Denmark and Europe,” states David Dreyer Lassen, Rector, University of Copenhagen. The new vision plan for the area outlines specific plots with development potential and concrete projects. "The life science industry is incredibly important for Denmark, as we depend on sharp minds and creative solutions in the future. Copenhagen will now have a well-thought-out, attractive and cohesive city district that will put our city on the world map – and hopefully attract investments, companies, and researchers from all over the globe," stated Lars Weiss, Lord Mayor of Copenhagen. NLS ving, particularly in obesity, as it has become more competitive and consumer-driven. Our company must evolve as well. This means instilling an increased performance-based culture, deploying our resources ever more effectively, and prioritizing investment where it will have the most impact – behind our leading therapy areas,” says Mike Doustdar, President and CEO, Novo Nordisk. The workforce reduction is expected across the company, including staff areas and headquarters functions, and is expected to deliver total annualized savings of around DKK 8 billion by the end of 2026, “It is always difficult to see talented and valued colleagues go, but we are convinced that this is the right thing to do for the long-term success of Novo Nordisk. We need a shift in our mindset and approach so we can be faster and more agile,” says Doustdar. The savings will be redirected to growth opportunities in diabetes and obesity, including commercial execution initiatives and R&D programmes. Further, additional initiatives are to be implemented to enhance organisational focus, performance culture and speed of decisionmaking as well as cost efficiencies, states the company. NLS NORDICLIFESCIENCE.ORG | 23 PHOTO ADAM MØRK