NOVARTIS
– for example, by helping teams predict potential deviations so they can be addressed before they happen.”
At the enterprise level, AI is also reshaping internal functions. Finance teams, HR operations and marketing functions are all using AI-powered tools to improve the efficiency of their work.
Ensuring AI fluency across Novartis’ entire business One of the most significant challenges in deploying AI at enterprise scale is human, rather than technological. With a global workforce of around 77,000 employees spanning a variety of roles, languages and levels of technical familiarity, getting people to use AI tools well – and to trust them – requires a mindset shift as well as a sustained investment in training and experience design.
For that reason, Novartis has developed an AI fluency framework: a structured programme through which employees assess their current understanding of AI and then follow tailored learning paths depending on their role.
“ We want our teams to feel confident using AI – not just to save time, but to spend more of it where they can make the biggest impact,” says Bernd. For example, day-to-day users – like those working primarily in tools such as Microsoft Outlook or PowerPoint – receive foundational upskilling on how to get the most from AI-assisted features, embedded in the tools they already use. More technically proficient
users, such as data analysts or process specialists, engage with more advanced training on AI-embedded platforms. Researchers at the cutting edge of drug discovery work with the most sophisticated AI tooling of all.
“ Not everyone needs every tool,” Bernd adds.“ In the end, there are very few tools that are for everyone, as we have AI solutions suited to the actual purpose of someone’ s role. A marketer needs a different technology stack to a researcher, and someone doing clinical trials needs different solutions – even if the underlying platforms are the same.”
66 August 2026