West Sweden aligns efforts to strengthen Swedish life science

On 19 May, Region Västra Götaland and Business Region Göteborg gathered key stakeholders from industry, academia and the public sector at the Regional Headquarters to sign a joint letter of intent.

The parties are also establishing the “The Council for Life Science in West Sweden”. The council brings together the strengths of the the region’s life science ecosystem and will work strategically to build capacity and enhance competitiveness.

“Bringing together key life science actors in this way, to work towards a shared direction, is both excellent and unique in Sweden. It creates strong conditions for continued growth of the sector in the region and for strengthening Sweden’s competitiveness overall," says Patrik Andersson, CEO of Business Region Göteborg.

The joint effort is based on the “Agenda for Western Swedish Life Science” and the “Life Science Business Strategy for the Gothenburg Region” – the strategic frameworks of Region Västra Götaland and Business Region Göteborg to strengthen development and competitiveness within life science.

“Region Västra Götaland’s dual role in healthcare provision and regional development gives us a unique position – and a major responsibility – in shaping the future of life science. Together with the rest of the ecosystem, we are now creating even greater impact, regionally, nationally and internationally,” says Helén Eliasson, Chair of the Regional Executive Board.

Growth creates both needs and opportunities

Gothenburg and West Sweden already host one of Sweden’s most dynamic life science ecosystems, with around 600 companies, more than 10,000 employees, and strong links between academia, healthcare and industry. Over the past five years, employment in the private life science sector in the region has increased by approximately 20 per cent, while turnover has nearly doubled.

“Strong research and close collaboration between academia, healthcare and industry are crucial to developing the next generation of treatments. By working together, we create better conditions for faster innovation and a stronger life science research environment, which in turn can help patients gain quicker access to new therapies,” says Regina Fritsche-Danielson, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Research and Early Clinical Development at AstraZeneca.

As the sector grows, so does the need for more coordinated action and shared priorities. In the global competition for investments, talent and research, the ability to join forces is becoming increasingly important. Centres of excellence must be developed together.

“For us, this is about bringing competitive, lifesaving products to the global market more quickly. The region has world-class expertise. By working in a more coordinated way, we can shorten the path from innovation to successful launch – strengthening the competitiveness of the region, Sweden and Europe,” says Mattias Perjos, President and CEO of Getinge.

Focus on growth, innovation and patient benefit

The purpose of the joint initiative is to define a shared direction for the regional ecosystem towards a leading position in Europe, and to work collectively to achieve it. West Sweden’s contribution to Sweden as a leading life science nation will also become clearer.

The Council for Life Science in West Sweden will focus on strengthening the ability to translate research into value for both businesses and patients, and on creating more direct pathways from innovation to market. Collaboration will be deepened in several prioritised areas, outlined in the strategic documents, and followed up against the following overarching objectives:

• More employees in the Western Swedish life science sector. Strengthening an already attractive regional environment where both global companies and growth companies continue to expand, and where new companies choose to establish operations.
• Increased EU funding and international competitiveness. Building strong consortia capable of successfully competing for EU funding and increasing the number of projects involving collaboration between private and public actors.
• More clinical trials. Positioning West Sweden as a first-choice location for Swedish and international clinical trials, strengthening innovation capacity and providing patients with access to new, innovative treatments.

Jenny Nyström, Dean of the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, highlights the long‑term importance for Sweden:

“West Sweden is a vital part of Sweden’s overall life science ecosystem. When education, research, healthcare and industry collaborate, we strengthen both regional and national capacity to attract talent, drive innovation and secure future skills supply.”

One priority is to develop clinical trial capacity as a key component of future healthcare.

“This joint effort is highly significant for Sahlgrenska University Hospital’s ability to continue providing high-quality patient care. It strengthens our position in clinical research and innovation at regional, national and international levels. It is also important for the development of the Sahlgrenska Life concept, one of the region’s most important initiatives in healthcare, education and research,” says Boubou Hallberg, Hospital Director at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

Council for Western Swedish Life Science

• Regina Fritsche‑Danielson, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Research, AstraZeneca
• Patrik Andersson, CEO, Business Region Göteborg
• Fredrik Wessberg, CEO, CCRM Nordic
• Martin Nilsson Jacobi, President, Chalmers University of Technology
• Christian Fermér, CEO, Fujirebio Diagnostics
• Mattias Perjos, President and CEO, Getinge
• Malin Broberg, President, University of Gothenburg
• Kristin Hedlund, EVP Legal & General Counsel, Mölnlycke Health Care
• Malin Frenning, CEO, RISE
• Jenny Nyström, Dean, Sahlgrenska Academy
• Marianne Dicander, Chair, Sahlgrenska Science Park
• Boubou Hallberg, Hospital Director, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
• Ryan Hicks, Site Director, Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Helena Lundberg Nilsson, Director of Regional Development, Västra Götaland Region