Johnson & Johnson Named to Fortune's 'World's Most Admired Companies' List for 19th Consecutive Year

Shanghai, February 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Johnson & Johnson was named to Fortune magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies 2021” list, ranking 15th overall. This marks the 19th consecutive year that Johnson & Johnson has been among the top 50 companies on the list, and the eighth consecutive year it has ranked first in the pharmaceutical industry. This honor fully demonstrates Johnson & Johnson’s exceptional leadership and broad influence in driving innovation and serving human health and well-being. The “World’s Most Admired Companies” list is produced by Fortune magazine in collaboration with the consulting firm Korn Ferry. It is based on authoritative surveys of executives, directors, and analysts across various industries worldwide, selecting the companies with the highest overall reputation across nine dimensions, including investment value, innovation, management and product quality, and social responsibility.

Since its founding in 1886, Johnson & Johnson has remained committed to its mission of providing innovative products to patients and consumers to improve human health. Over the past year, guided by its Credo, the company has consistently leveraged its scientific expertise and social impact to make outstanding contributions globally. These efforts include responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and improving public health, driving innovative breakthroughs in the healthcare industry, and fostering the development of an innovation ecosystem, earning widespread recognition and acclaim.

Proactively Responding to Major Public Health Crises

Johnson & Johnson has long been committed to advancing cutting-edge research in public health, achieving remarkable results. By developing innovative vaccines and therapeutic solutions, the company supports global efforts to combat infectious diseases such as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and Zika virus. Furthermore, it actively collaborates with governments, industry partners, and other stakeholders to safeguard human health.

In 2020, in the face of the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson & Johnson remained at the forefront of responding to this major global public health crisis, working hand in hand with partners worldwide to combat the pandemic. The company made significant progress in its active investment in the research and development of COVID-19 vaccines. In January of this year, Johnson & Johnson announced the Phase 3 trial results of the world’s first single-dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate, and in early February, it submitted an application for Emergency Use Authorization to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), marking a critical step toward alleviating the global disease burden and overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson & Johnson has also been making relentless efforts to continuously enhance production capacity and accelerate the global supply of safe and effective vaccines.Meanwhile, the Johnson & Johnson Foundation has committed a total of $300 million in donations to address the needs of frontline healthcare workers around the world, including personal protective equipment and mental health support, while also supporting the recruitment, training, education, and professional development of healthcare personnel. Johnson & Johnson launched the “Commit to the Frontline” initiative, encouraging employees and partners to leverage their expertise and actively engage in efforts to support frontline medical workers. Additionally, the company has focused on strengthening public awareness of public health and community-based epidemic prevention measures. It released the original popular science documentary series *The Road to Vaccines*, which provides in-depth insights into vaccine development and addresses public questions, garnering widespread acclaim.In China, Johnson & Johnson promptly initiated anti-epidemic assistance, donating urgently needed medical protective supplies and products with a total value exceeding RMB 30 million, providing steadfast support to frontline healthcare workers and community-level pandemic response efforts.

Innovation Empowers Diversified Business Development

At Johnson & Johnson, innovation has always been the cornerstone and driving force behind its enduring success. The company places a high priority on investment in research and development (R&D). In 2020, its global R&D expenditure exceeded USD 12.1 billion, accounting for approximately 15% of its total global revenue that year, ranking among the industry leaders. In China, Johnson & Johnson has established R&D departments across its three major business sectors—Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, and Consumer Health—with more than 700 scientists and R&D professionals dedicated to continuously enhancing local innovation capabilities.

Over its 36 years in China, Johnson & Johnson has continuously introduced and accelerated the localization of innovative products and solutions, achieving numerous milestone accomplishments in 2020. By the end of 2020, Johnson & Johnson had introduced 62 innovative pharmaceuticals to the Chinese market, with 52 of these products included in the National Reimbursement Drug List. In June 2020, Johnson & Johnson delivered the first Pinpoint Ultra-High-Definition 4K Endoscopic Imaging System in China, marking the first time the company introduced the production technology for such advanced equipment into a market outside the United States. In January 2021, Johnson & Johnson’s femtosecond laser treatment system, “Catalys,” received registration approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), becoming the first large-scale medical device in China approved for registration through real-world data research conducted in Boao. This approval will bring significant benefits to more cataract patients in China. Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson has established a long-term partnership with Tinavi Medical Technologies, the leader in the Chinese orthopedic robotics market. Together, they have established three clinical application centers for robot-assisted spinal surgery and developed advantages and typical case studies for robotic applications in four key spinal surgical procedures. Additionally, in collaboration with the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan, Johnson & Johnson launched the “Johnson & Johnson Boao Innovation Chain” in 2019. Over the past year, supported by government innovation policies and Johnson & Johnson China’s innovation strategy, the “Johnson & Johnson Boao Innovation Chain” has evolved into a comprehensive innovation platform integrating the display of medical research achievements, technology promotion, product application, academic exchange, and training of high-level talent, achieving fruitful results through pioneering initiatives and shared success.

“Johnson & Johnson Boao Innovation Chain” has evolved into a comprehensive innovation platform integrating the display of medical research achievements, technology promotion, product application, academic exchange, and high-end talent training.

Collaborate to Build an Open Innovation Ecosystem

In addition to continuously increasing investment in internal R&D and innovation, Johnson & Johnson actively engages in extensive collaborations with governments and industry partners worldwide to support the rapid advancement and implementation of cutting-edge life science innovations. Currently, Johnson & Johnson operates four global innovation centers, 13 JLABS innovation incubators, JJDC (its venture capital arm), and business development units, among other innovation entities, establishing a cross-regional innovation ecosystem network through flexible collaboration mechanisms. In China, Johnson & Johnson leverages platforms such as the Asia Pacific Innovation Center, JLABS @ Shanghai, and the Johnson & Johnson China Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI) to build an open innovation ecosystem with external partners, accelerating the commercialization and global impact of disruptive innovations. Since its mid-2019 launch, JLABS @ Shanghai has provided comprehensive innovation support to approximately 50 startups, successfully guiding one to an initial public offering (IPO). About one-third of resident companies have successfully graduated from the program, and roughly one-fifth have entered into collaborative agreements with Johnson & Johnson. Recognized for its significant contributions to fostering scientific research innovation and promoting collaborative innovation, Johnson & Johnson became the first foreign-funded open innovation platform accredited by the Shanghai Municipal Government, continuing to play an industry-leading role in strengthening global resource allocation and bolstering its innovation engine.

Johnson & Johnson’s JLABS @ Shanghai: The World’s Largest and Asia-Pacific’s First Innovation Incubator

While driving development through innovation, Johnson & Johnson has made unremitting efforts in fulfilling social responsibilities, promoting sustainable development, and caring for talent development, achieving positive results. For instance, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health committed to using 100% eco-friendly packaging by 2025. In 2020, the company provided global employees with a one-day “Recharge Day” in May and September respectively, encouraging them to spend more time with and care for their families during the pandemic. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson employees enjoy two days of paid volunteer leave annually to participate in public welfare activities. The company has also implemented a series of measures, including customized training, benefits programs, flexible working arrangements during winter and summer vacations, and global parental leave, providing comprehensive support for employees’ physical and mental well-being as well as their career development. As a result, Johnson & Johnson has received numerous awards for green development, corporate social responsibility, and employer branding, earning high recognition within the industry.Song Weiqun, Global Senior Vice President and Chairman of Johnson & Johnson China, stated, “Innovation is deeply embedded in Johnson & Johnson’s DNA. In China, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the government and industry partners to ensure that more medical innovations benefit the Chinese people more effectively and rapidly, making new and greater contributions to the development of China’s healthcare sector. Looking ahead to the new development pattern of the 14th Five-Year Plan, and with the comprehensive advancement of the Healthy China strategy, Johnson & Johnson will, under the strategic guidance of the government’s innovation-driven high-quality development, commit to building an innovative industrial ecosystem in China. While introducing globally leading innovative products to the Chinese market, we will focus on local R&D innovation, local high-end intelligent manufacturing, and the development of local top-tier talent teams, fully supporting the improvement of public health and well-being and contributing to the construction of a ‘Healthy China’!”