Recommendations for a New Life Science Strategy: Ecosystem Synergies Shaping the Direction of Danish Life Science
Recommendations for a New Life Science Strategy: Ecosystem Synergies Shaping the Direction of Danish Life Science

Insight

Recommendations for a New Life Science Strategy: Ecosystem Synergies Shaping the Direction of Danish Life Science

Insight

Recommendations for a New Life Science Strategy: Ecosystem Synergies Shaping the Direction of Danish Life Science

In December 2023, Denmark’s National Life Science Council delivered their recommendations on the content and focus of a new Life Science Strategy for Denmark. The twelve recommendations, categorized into four key ambitions, accompanied by targeted initiatives and proposed solutions, provide insightful perspectives on what the ecosystem actors consider crucial to unlocking the full potential of the life science sector.

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It is no secret that the life science industry plays a vital role in Denmark. Beyond great economic contributions, the sector is a robust source of employment. Collaborative public-private partnerships serve as cornerstones for the resilience and progression of Denmark's healthcare and welfare system. Acknowledging the sector’s pivotal role, stakeholders from all areas of the ecosystem (the Danish Life Science Council) have come together to form recommendations, with the overall goal of positioning Denmark as Europe’s premier life science nation.

Innovation in Healthcare: Public-Private Collaboration

The first ambition centres around enhancing the integration of innovation in healthcare through public-private collaboration. The ecosystem points to the necessity of infusing more innovative strength into the healthcare system. Recommendations in this space aim to leverage the public sector as a driver for growth and export of Danish healthcare solutions, while creating continuous value for patients and personnel. With development, testing, implementation, and scaling of effective and labour-liberating solutions, the sector should aim to free up 10,000 full-time equivalents in the healthcare system by 2030. For this, widespread adoption of proven solutions must be ensured for the benefit of patients and efficiency.

Fostering Life Science Companies: A Robust Ecosystem Driving Growth

The Council has also identified a need for a stronger, diversified foundation for the future of Denmark’s life science. This requires bolstering the ecosystem to ensure success of new life science entrepreneurs and attraction of foreign investments. To achieve this, Denmark must maintain its leading position in clinical research, unlock the potential of its unique health data, and work to translate university research and knowledge into entrepreneurship. In the public-private sphere, Denmark must create entrepreneurial and innovation environments with access to funding. This can foster development of more life science companies, which is beneficial for current and future competitive strength.

A Leading Role: Enhancing International Collaboration and Health Diplomacy

Denmark is recommended to pursue a stronger international leadership role to ensure favourable competitive conditions for the industry. With international competition intensifying, the EU and global frameworks have become increasingly crucial. This calls for Denmark taking greater responsibility in addressing global health challenges. For this, a more strategic and targeted public-private collaboration is needed for promoting exports and advocating for sector interests in EU and global regulatory environments. 

Attracting Life Science Production and Investments to Denmark

The fourth key ambition is to position Denmark among the top three most attractive destinations in Europe for production and foreign investments. The Council sees a unique opportunity to double exports by 2030, if Denmark manages to make it easier to establish and expand production. It is also emphasised that access to the right workforce and expertise is fundamental to industry success.

In light of the Council's recommendations, we expect the negotiations regarding the new strategy to be concluded by the end of Q2 2024. Learn more about the specific recommendations and the process for developing the full strategy here (in Danish only)

 

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  • Sarina Lohmann

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    Area: Copenhagen

    Phone: +4533920423

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