Swedish Medtech
Swedish Medtechs vision är att Sverige ska vara ett attraktivt land för medicintekniska företag, vilka med värdebaserade innovationer ökar patientsäkerheten och skapar en hållbar vård och omsorg.
ID: 196555323010-02
Lobbying Activity
Response to EU Life sciences strategy
15 Apr 2025
Important Factors for the EU Life Sciences Strategy The life sciences sectorencompassing pharmaceuticals, medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, medical software, and biotechnologyis one of Swedens most strategic industries. With over 52,000 employees, it is a key driver of job creation and accounts for 10% of Swedens total goods exports. The Swedish and European life sciences sectors invest a significant share of their revenue in research and development, driving progress in groundbreaking technologies such as biotechnology, AI, and digital health. The sector also holds substantial geostrategic importance, as demonstrated during the pandemic, when the rapid development and production of vaccines proved essential as well as the supply of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics to diagnose and treat patients. These strengths present the EU with a unique opportunity to consolidate and strengthen its global position. However, realizing this potential requires decisive and targeted measures to enhance competitiveness and resilience. The EU thus needs to ensure a more efficient, sustainable and resilient health-care infrastructure throughout the future multi-annual financial framework. The European life sciences sector faces fierce competition from the United States and China, both of which are making substantial investments to strengthen their positions. The Draghi report highlights that Europe has lost 25% of its global Research & Development investment share over the past two decades, while its share of clinical trials has declined from 25.6% to 19.3%. Simultaneously, escalating geopolitical tensions underscore the need to reinforce Europes production capacity to ensure greater resilience in times of crisis. These developments emphasize the urgency of a renewed European strategyone that not only addresses these challenges but also enhances the EUs attractiveness as a destination for Research & Development investment, manufacturing, and clinical trials. The announcement of a new European life sciences strategy is a highly welcomed initiative. A coordinated strategy is essential to create the right conditions for restoring EUs leadership in the sector. Since 2019, Sweden has successfully implemented a national life sciences strategy, with several initiatives that could be scaled up to benefit the entire EU. The new EU strategy should incorporate the following key elements to enhance the sectors global competitiveness: Effective governance through a dedicated Life Sciences Office Facilitating access to groundbreaking innovations Strengthening conditions for research and innovation Improving framework conditions for production in the EU Promoting free and fair trade By integrating these elements, the EU can reinforce its position as a global leader in life sciences while driving innovation, economic growth, and resilience across the sector.
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