Challenges and Lessons Learned

Now, all of this sounds great, but it’s not without its challenges. Implementing an ecosystem approach like this is complex. You’re dealing with multiple stakeholders, each with their own priorities and limitations. And let’s not forget, this is happening across different cultures, languages, and healthcare systems.

One of the biggest challenges Novo Nordisk has faced is scalability. What works in one city might not work in another. For instance, the peer-to-peer program in Copenhagen was fantastic, but it required a level of social infrastructure that doesn’t exist in every city. So, Novo Nordisk has had to be very flexible, constantly adapting their programs to fit the local context.

Another challenge is measuring impact. How do you quantify the success of a program that’s trying to change something as complex as a city’s health ecosystem? Novo Nordisk has developed some great tools—like their Urban Diabetes Toolbox—but even these have their limitations. Measuring long-term health outcomes is hard, especially when you’re trying to compare results across different cities and countries.

But despite these challenges, the results have been overwhelmingly positive. Novo NordNordisk’s approach has shown that when you bring the right people together, even the most complex challenges can be tackled effectively.

Another key lesson is the importance of partnerships. Novo Nordisk learned that they couldn’t do it all alone—they needed to build strong, collaborative relationships with local governments, healthcare providers, NGOs, and even other corporations. These partnerships are what make the ecosystem approach possible, allowing for a more holistic, sustainable impact.

Finally, Novo Nordisk’s experience highlights the need for flexibility and adaptability. No two cities are the same, and a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work when you’re dealing with something as varied and complex as diabetes prevention. By staying flexible, listening to local needs, and being willing to adjust their strategies, Novo Nordisk has been able to make a real difference in each of the cities they’ve worked with.