Blog #11: Association work: strong together

By Natascha de Raad
reading time: 7 Minutes

In some circles, association work is often disrespectfully referred to as lobbying, dismissed and often viewed with suspicion.  In my opinion, this is unfortunately a very limited view that completely ignores many areas.  Today I would like to take up the cudgels for the work of associations, because my experiences have been consistently positive.  For the company I speak for and which I also represent on various committees, I can only rate this commitment positively. Why? There are good reasons for this, which I would like to address in today's BLOG. 

s pharmaceutical logistics specialists, our customers primarily come from the pharmaceutical industry. All topics relating to this industry are of crucial importance to us. From GMP and GDP guidelines to research funding or the substitution rules for generics. Being informed about what is driving the pharmaceutical industry, what new regulations are on the horizon and, above all, what impact these will have on existing and future business models - these are questions that concern us in our daily business. Our service offerings are based on these questions and we modify our approach accordingly. Where are these developments better reflected and addressed than in the associations of the pharmaceutical industry? 

A brief digression: associations and organizations 

I recently came across some official figures. According to these figures, there are around 15,000 associations in Germany, the vast majority of which, namely around 70 percent, are in the areas of work and business as well as health and social affairs. The leisure sector is dominated by sporting activities. The German Olympic Sports Confederation unites around 90,000 gymnastics and sports clubs under its umbrella. There are an estimated 600,000 clubs in Germany. You've probably heard the joke: "When three Germans meet, they form a club."  But this is going too far and is in no way intended to call into question the serious work of legitimate associations.

Med-X-Press is a member of the Bundesverband der Pharmazeutischen Industrie e.V. (BPI) and the Bundesverband der Arzneimittel-Hersteller e.V. (BAH).  Both associations represent the economic, legislative and health policy positions of their member companies. In addition, there is a broad spectrum of scientific work as well as a presence in European and global committees. As an outsourcing partner in pharmaceutical logistics with a manufacturing license in accordance with §13.1 of the German Medicinal Products Act, Med-X-Press is of course not a manufacturer of medicinal products. However, we are authorized to provide value-added services that go beyond traditional storage and distribution. In all areas, such as relabelling or serialization, we are subject to the same strict legal requirements as pharmaceutical companies. We are in the same boat, so to speak. Against this background, membership of industry associations is an important part of our corporate philosophy.    

I am a member of two BPI committees, the Sales Committee and the Digital Future Committee. As the person responsible for sales and marketing, sales issues are naturally my specialty and digitalization is a cross-sectional task in every company and, above all, an omnipresent, pressing issue.  I don't need to emphasize that we don't just have to step on the gas in companies to drive this development forward. 

What is it about working in these associations? 

Association work has several components that characterize membership and involvement in and for an association. In my view, these are the following points: 

1. network
   First of all, there is the tightly woven network of contacts to people with identical mind-sets, which can be used at a low threshold, especially in committee work. There is a quick exchange with "like-minded people" who are working on similar problems or can sometimes also provide a valuable tip or a contact to experts. 
    
2. information
   The associations maintain intensive communication both internally and externally. With the daily briefings for member companies on current issues relevant to the industry, I am always well informed. This is not just about pure information, but also about classification and positioning. This often leads to discussions and questions about company-specific experiences and circumstances. Because one thing is clear: information is not a one-way street. To work successfully, we as a company must also "deliver". For example, I have already given several presentations on various topics in the BPI committees. For example, we discussed experiences that arise when realizing or implementing new elements in an organization. And in small groups, we also talk about trial and error and outline projects that are not always brilliantly finalized, but which in turn encourage others to tackle ambitious issues. 
    
3. representation of interests
   And last but not least, there is the so-called "lobbying" mentioned at the beginning: The representation of interests in the political environment - giving a voice to interests and also taking these offensively and audibly to the outside world. The associations play an important role in the parliamentary process, and not just to exert influence on procedures or new regulations. It is also about conveying a differentiated representation of the industry in order to contribute to a fact-based decision-making basis. And finally, associations also represent the industry in the media with a high public profile and set milestones for the image of the pharmaceutical industry in the population with targeted campaigns. 
    
4. association structures
   Die maßgeblichen Verbände haben heute vornehmlich ihren Sitz in Berlin oder zumindest ein Büro vor Ort. Das ist auch gut so, denn das bedeutet wechselseitig kurze Wege. Mir gefällt allerdings auch sehr gut die regionale Gliederung, Landesverbände mit direkten Ansprechpartnern sind vor Ort näher am Geschehen und dennoch sind sie Teil eines Ganzen. Mit der Zugehörigkeit zu einer Dachorganisation, wie etwa dem Verband der Chemischen Industrie, erhöhen sich außerdem Präsenz und Schlagkraft.  

Today, the major associations are primarily based in Berlin or at least have a local office. This is a good thing, because it means short distances for both sides. However, I also really like the regional structure; regional associations with direct contacts are closer to the action locally and yet they are part of a whole. Being part of an umbrella organization, such as the German Chemical Industry Association, also increases presence and clout.  

More advantages than disadvantages

As you can see, I can only advocate membership of associations and have backed this up with the arguments mentioned.  So: a clear plus! But what are the disadvantages? Small and medium-sized companies in particular will now say: "We don't have the resources for association activities." That is certainly a valid argument.  I can only confirm that active participation requires a lot of time and is also associated with appointments, i.e. travel.  

But believe me: it's worth it. 

Get in touch with suggestions or criticism:  blog@med-x-press.de