That Human Touch - Health Innovation in (West) Sweden

Jamie Smith
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  • Life Sciences
  • Updated Monthly

This podcast showcases some of the cool things happening in (West) Sweden - and the amazing people making them happen. It's about life science, health innovation and that special human touch.

  1. Jul 29

    Cecilia Hahn Berg - purpose, partnerships and building Europe's leading university hospital

    Leadership isn't just about strategy, it's about creating the partnerships that shape the future of healthcare. In this episode, Cecilia Hahn Berg, Life Science Strategist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, shares how collaboration across healthcare, academia and industry is helping realise the hospital's vision of becoming Europe's leading university hospital by 2032—accelerating innovation, clinical trials and better patient care in West Sweden and beyond. Learn more about Sahlgrenska University Hospital 🎙️ Production credits Guest: Cecilia Hahn Berg, Life Science Strategist, Sahlgrenska University Hospital Host: Jamie Smith Editorial lead & episode development: Elin von Vultée Widtfelt Post-production, sound & video: Nils Björquist Artwork: Ella Smith Ygfeldt Technical production support: JIRE Productions AB Produced by Jamie Smith Communications AB

  2. Jun 1

    Li-Ming Gan - innovation, leadership and ikigai

    What does it take to bridge groundbreaking science, clinical medicine and global biotech innovation? Dr. Li-ming Gan is a physician scientist, professor and CEO of Ribocure Pharmaceuticals, where he leads the development of next-generation RNA therapeutics. With more than 20 years of experience from AstraZeneca, where he held senior leadership roles in cardiovascular, renal and metabolism R&D, Li-Ming has been at the forefront of translating scientific discoveries into clinical breakthroughs. Alongside his work in the pharmaceutical industry, he has continued his academic research work as supervisor and professor at the University of Gothenburg and clinical work at Ribocure clinic. Today, through Ribocure, he is helping shape the future of innovative RNA-based therapies on a global scale. In this episode we talk innovation, leadership and how to reach ikigai. Learn more about Ribocure. 🎙️ Production credits Guest: Li-ming Gan, CEO, Ribocure Host: Jamie Smith Editorial lead & episode development: Elin von Vultée Widtfelt Post-production, sound & video: Nils Björquist Artwork: Ella Smith Ygfeldt Technical production support: JIRE Productions AB Produced by Jamie Smith Communications AB

  3. Apr 29

    Aldina Pivodic - from war to world-class biostatistics

    What lies behind a career dedicated to improving healthcare through data? From growing up in Bosnia and Herzegovina during wartime to building a successful career in Sweden, Aldina Pivodic’s story is one of resilience, courage and determination. Today, she is CEO and founder of APNC, a fast-growing consultancy at the forefront of medical statistics and life science research. With an MSc in Mathematics and a PhD from Sahlgrenska Academy, Aldina Pivodic has spent over two decades working across academia, pharma and medtech - applying advanced statistical methods in medical research and developing and validating algorithms for clinical decision support tools, to improve patient outcomes. In this episode, we talk resilience, ambition and the role of statistics in shaping the future of healthcare. Learn more about APNC Sweden AB here. 🎙️ Production credits Guest: Aldina Pivodic, CEO & Founder, APNC Sweden AB Host: Jamie Smith Editorial lead & episode development: Elin von Vultée Widtfelt Post-production, sound & video: Nils Björquist Artwork: Ella Smith Ygfeldt Technical production support: JIRE Productions AB Produced by Jamie Smith Communications AB

  4. 04/10/2025

    Ann-Marie Wennberg Larkö - research, innovation and leadership in healthcare

    Professor Ann-Marie Wennberg Larkö is a pioneer in Swedish healthcare and truly embodies the fusion of visionary leadership and compassionate care. As the former CEO of Sahlgrenska University Hospital, she led one of Northern Europe’s largest hospitals through a transformative era—embracing digitalization, AI, and innovation while never losing sight of the human experience in care. In this conversation, we dive into what it means to lead with heart in complex systems, the role of research and innovation in shaping tomorrow’s healthcare, and why collaboration between academia, industry, and clinical practice is the only way forward. We also explore the importance of leadership with the right expertise, courage, and vision to implement change—especially in a system under financial and academic pressure. Ann-Marie shares insights from her broad experience as a professor, physician, policy advisor, and changemaker—highlighting why West Sweden is a region to watch on the global health stage.

    Ann-Marie Wennberg Larkö - research, innovation and leadership in healthcare

  5. 03/18/2025

    Jonathan Converse - Digital Health Arena

    In this episode, we’re diving into the world of digital health—where data, AI, and groundbreaking technology are transforming patient care and medical research. Jamie is joined by Jonathan Converse, Project Manager at Chalmers Industriteknik and Head of the Digital Health Arena in GoCo Health Innovation City. Jonathan is at the forefront of data-driven innovation in life sciences, helping to shape the future of healthcare by bridging the gap between technology, industry, research and patients. We’ll be discussing what the Digital Health Arena is, what the development plans are and why is it so important for the future of life sciences in Gothenburg, Sweden, and Europe? We'll also explore how digital health is revolutionizing medicine, the biggest challenges and opportunities in this space, and what the future holds for AI, data, and patient-centric innovation. So, whether you're a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, researcher, patient or just curious about the future of digital health—stay tuned for an insightful conversation with Jonathan Converse! Learn more: Digital Health ArenaDigital Health Beats Producer & host: Jamie Smith AV, creative & socials: Nils Björquist, Carl Jirestedt & Ella Smith

    Jonathan Converse - Digital Health Arena

  6. 06/24/2024

    Moa Dicksdotter - community, collaboration & connections

    Moa Dicksdotter is the Community Manager at GoCo Health Innovation City. Moa is instrumental in fostering a vibrant and collaborative environment at GoCo, an exciting new hub for life science innovation. With a strong focus on corporate relations and site activation, Moa ensures that researchers, industry professionals and academics can come together to collaborate and drive forward-thinking solutions that meet future health challenges. She works diligently on social structures and marketing communications to enhance the attractiveness and functionality of the GoCo ecosystem. Jamie spoke with Moa at the recent GoCo Open House at GoCo Health Innovation City about her insights and experiences in building this unique innovation community.

  7. 06/09/2024

    Björn Wikhamn - what makes a successful innovation environment?

    Björn Wikhamn was our first drop-in pod guest at the recent GoCo Open House at GoCo Health Innovation City. Björn is a professor of management and organization at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg. His research interests primarily lie in the organization of innovation processes across organizational boundaries. In this "no-planning-no-preparation" interview, Björn talked with Jamie about subjects including the criteria needed for successful innovation environments, AstraZeneca's BioVentureHub as a pioneering example of open innovation and whether or not innovation professors get to be innovative themselves. Björn is also academically responsible for Matix – Management of Growth, a master's course in Business Administration focused on innovation, strategy, business development, change management, and sustainable leadership.

  8. 05/07/2024

    Seven life science trends 2024

    In this episode, we delve into the cutting-edge of life sciences with a special focus on Business Region Göteborg's seven life science trends 2024. Joining Jamie are Iris Öhrn and Christian Borg from Business Region Göteborg, and Petter Björquist, CEO of Verigraft. Together, we'll explore the context for the development of the seven key trends, how they are being applied and how they are shaping the future of healthcare not only in Gothenburg, but also globally. We also discuss the development of the life science sector in the region. Links Seven life science trends 2024 Sju life science-trender 2024

    Seven life science trends 2024
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This podcast showcases some of the cool things happening in (West) Sweden - and the amazing people making them happen. It's about life science, health innovation and that special human touch.

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