Case study: GlaxoSmithKline
Glaxo SmithKline Oy, the Finnish subsidiary of GSK, has a very significant role in the group’s clinical development. Mr. Martin Andrews comments: “One area which is interesting about Finland is that you have not only good scientific expertise, but also medical records on individual patients that go back many years. For companies like us that are interested in doing genetics research, this is a good place to do it.”
From a business point of view, Mr. Andrews finds Finland a relatively small country where most people know each other. Therefore, when doing business, it's the network that counts. But according to Mr. Andrews integrating into Finnish life is easy, as the standard of spoken English is so high.
Mr. Andrews specifies three points that make Finland special to GSK: Firstly, there’s a resilience and determination in Finland which is not very often seen elsewhere. Secondly, there’s a high degree of pride, but in a very humble way, without boasting. People feel proud of what they do, don't brag about it but just get on and show the results so that others can see. The third thing is just how high the standards are in Finland in terms of education, science and academic credentials. Added together, these make Finland just a little bit different.”
Mr. Martin Andrews, CEO, GlaxoSmithKline Oy
‘This is a region on the go, with much achieved and more good things to happen.’
Christian Ketels, PhD, Harvard Business School