DIA EUROPE 2021

More than a decade ago a scenario analysis capturing the broader scope of the future of the pharmaceutical sciences, was published in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery[1]. Although it is tempting to review the scenario analysis as mentioned in terms of ‘correctness’ in ‘predicting’ the future, the real value lies far beyond that. Scenario analyses are ‘thinking devices’ to guide organizational policy and strategy, to develop research funding priorities, and to inspire political and business decision-makers. As such, these visions for the future are also time capsules that signify what was seen as important at that moment in time. While we are now in the middle of a devastating Covid-19 crisis, and the world has to face many challenges regarding pharmaceutical innovation and social policy, scenario analysis remains an appealing instrument to open minds and to get prepared for the uncertainties ahead. In this session we will report on and discuss a recent ‘replay’ of the 2010 scenario analysis at mentioned above. Crommelin D, Stolk P, Besançon L, Shah V, Midha K, Leufkens H. Pharmaceutical sciences in 2020. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2010;9:99-100.