Capability initiatives
As Merck continues to grow in size and the business becomes increasingly global, we want Merck to be seen as ONE company. ONE Merck stands not only for a strong brand, but also for a performance-oriented global company with a strong sense of “we”. Merck is more than the sum of its parts. For this purpose, we have launched four capability initiatives.
The capability initiative ONE Merck brand aims to strengthen the value of the Merck brand, to increase the company’s global visibility and reputation, to become more attractive to customers, partners and talent globally.
The framework for talent development, compensation and performance management is to be harmonized globally as ONE Talent Development, Rewards and Performance Management.
As part of this initiative, Merck will focus on establishing a consistent and integrated talent and performance management process and improving the talent portfolio by proactively identifying and sourcing talent as well as by ensuring workforce diversity.
The goal of the third capability initiative ONE Process Harmonization, Standardization and Excellence is to better coordinate processes and apply them consistently. This is particularly the case with software applications. Continuous improvement will take place through benchmarking. Ultimately, this will allow Merck to adapt rapidly to business changes as well as to integrate future acquisitions both seamlessly and efficiently.
The importance of Merck’s global headquarters in Darmstadt is to be underscored along the lines of ONE global headquarters. Merck in Darmstadt is to become a vibrant home for creativity, exchange and innovation.
Our aim is to implement all capability initiatives in the medium term.
Business initiatives
Furthermore, Merck has set up a range of business initiatives in order to expand the existing portfolio as well as to capture new business opportunities. The following initiatives are of major significance:
Biosimilars
In order to capture the opportunities offered by biosimilars, Merck set up a dedicated unit. Merck wants to use its expertise in developing, manufacturing and commercializing high-quality biotechnological medicines in order to create a competitive biosimilars portfolio. The focus is on developing molecules through in-house research and development as well as through partnerships.
Research & Development at Merck Serono
Merck Serono introduced a more entrepreneurial model to elevate the performance dynamics of its Research & Development. Based on Translational Innovation Platforms (TIPs), the division wants to foster long-term planning and an entrepreneurial mindset, supported by an independent advisory board of external experts.
OLEDs
The Performance Materials division aims to further expand its global leadership position in display materials. Merck expects OLED technology to increase in importance in the future. Performance Materials is therefore investing in developing a comprehensive OLED portfolio. By 2018, Merck aims to be a leading supplier of OLED materials.