The new Swedish life science strategy – “It will consolidate Sweden as a leader”
The Swedish national life science strategy was launched in December 2019, and it has now been updated with a new government at the helm.
Four ministers presented the updated strategy during a presentation in the Forskaren building in Hagastaden in Stockholm on Thursday (7/11-2024) last week.
“With this life science strategy, we aim to establish Sweden as a leading life science nation,” said Ebba Busch (KD), Minister for Energy and Industry, emphasising that this is not a position Sweden can take for granted.
She pointed to entrepreneurs as the key to success and mentioned well-known industry names such as KTH professor Mathias Uhlén and biotech entrepreneur Evelina Vågesjö.
The updated strategy puts emphasis on clinical trials, national digital infrastructure, medical technology and precision health.
“Their focus on supporting clinical trials and ensuring that the results benefit the whole country is positive. Basic research is equally important because without early ideas, we have nothing to develop,” writes Jenny Nyström, Professor and Dean of Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, in a comment on the new strategy to Life Science Sweden.
The strategy also highlights collaboration between universities, healthcare and industry, which Jenny Nyström considers crucial for Swedish life science.
“The emphasis on infrastructure is also positive, but equally important is the competence to use it,” she writes.
The Danish life science strategy, presented earlier last week, set a target of doubling exports from the life science sector in Denmark to DKK 350 billion by 2030. However, after the presentation in Forskaren, Sweden’s Minister for Enterprise and Innovation, Ebba Busch (KD), said in a comment to Life Science Sweden that the Swedish strategy does not include such a target:
“No, we have not defined an exact figure. Too few people are aware of the fact that the life science sector accounts for 10% of our total export of goods today. We want it to grow and reach as much potential as possible, but it is difficult for politicians to set a precise target.”
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