Novartis CEO Vasant Narasimhan recently spoke with CGTN about how the Chinese mainland’s ongoing openness and rapid technological advancement are reshaping its global influence. He noted that although the Chinese mainland’s market size has long captured international attention, its innovation in areas such as digital health, biotech, and artificial intelligence is now a key driver of its reach beyond borders.
“We’re seeing a shift from sheer scale to scale plus speed,” Narasimhan said, highlighting how streamlined approval processes and collaborative research frameworks have accelerated clinical trials and product development. He pointed to partnerships between Novartis and local innovation hubs in cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen, where joint labs are leveraging big data and AI to develop next-generation therapies.
Discussing the outlook for 2026, Narasimhan predicted that the Chinese mainland’s economy will continue to expand its global footprint through technology exports and cross-border ventures. He emphasized that policies promoting openness—such as expanded market access in the biopharma sector and incentives for overseas companies—are creating a more dynamic environment for investment and innovation.
For global businesses and investors, Narasimhan advised keeping a close eye on emerging trends such as digital drug discovery platforms and smart manufacturing. By integrating local talent with global expertise, he said companies can tap into a powerful ecosystem that drives both scientific breakthroughs and economic growth.
As the Chinese mainland charts its course for 2026, the combination of openness and tech innovation is poised to redefine traditional notions of influence—transforming markets, partnerships, and the very pace of progress on the world stage.
Reference(s):
Novartis: China's opening-up and tech innovation fuel global influence
cgtn.com
