However, despite the favourable conditions, there are areas in Västra Götaland´s Life Science sector in need of improvement, which has been noted in the report that was presented on March 30. The work behind this report has been led by former Prime Minister Ingvar Carlsson.

Surveying needs and opportunities for developing Life Science
This report´s background stems from the fact that in the spring of 2010, AstraZeneca made the decision to restructure the company´s global research operations and increase its focus on the facility in Mölndal. This decision was a contributing factor in initiating a study of the Life Science sector in Western Sweden. Region Västra Götaland, in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg, Chalmers University of Technology, the cities of Gothenburg and Mölndal and the local Chamber of Commerce are behind the initiative.

In order to give the study an outside perspective, former Prime Minister Ingvar Carlsson was asked to lead the work. The study has consisted of analysing and surveying the needs and opportunities for strengthening and developing the Life Science sector in Västra Götaland.

Strong areas in Life Science
“My analysis shows that Västra Götaland has strong areas in Life Science with the potential for continued strong development," says Ingvar Carlsson.

The clinical research being conducted, primarily at the Sahlgrenska Academy and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, is at the forefront nationwide. There is also a well-developed industrial base in areas such as pharmaceuticals and medical technology as well as new areas that are developing.

Furthermore, the universities and colleges in Västra Götaland have many excellent research facilities, for example in the field of biomaterial.

Concrete measures to develop the sector
With respect to areas in need of improvement, the report calls for several concrete measures. This includes nurturing the potential that exists in clinical research through increased focus on quality registers. Small and mid-sized companies also need financial support for their clinical development projects.

Competence development is another area that should be prioritised. It is essential to maintain a dialogue between the academic world and industry in order to develop and strengthen the pool of available talent and skills.

“Västra Götaland must also become better at marketing the capacity and strengths that exist in Life Science in order to seriously compete for skilled people and investment capital in the global arena. It is also essential to have a clear brand for the Life Science sector," says Ingvar Carlsson.

The report indicates that companies are currently experiencing problems promoting the Gothenburg region when recruiting personnel from outside the region.

Another area that needs to be improved is the capacity to attract major research efforts through the EU and from other parts of Sweden.

“One concrete proposal is to create a strategic working group, whose task is to initiate and coordinate efforts to involve the universities, Region Västra Götaland, the healthcare sector and relevant companies in collaborative research projeccts internationelly". Ingvar Carlsson also notes the exciting trend in the expansion of the Life Science sector. For example, the chemical and forestry industries have increasing elements of biotechnology and “green chemistry". Another expanding area is the integration in societal development with focus on sustainability issues.

Common vision and concrete plan of action important
Ingvar Carlsson also feels that there is already a well developed and functioning collaboration among the various parties in Västra Götaland but it needs to become even better.

“For instance, Västra Götaland needs to become better at identifying and clarifying areas of strategic importance. This calls for a new vision for Life Science in Västra Götaland as well as focused efforts. I urge Region Västra Götaland and the other parties to begin working on these issues immediately," says Ingvar Carlsson.

Additional information/the report
Download the report “Life Science in Västra Götaland — opportunities and challenges (pdf)
 
Additional information about Region Västra Götaland´s work with Life Science and an interview with Ingvar Carlsson are available at www.vgregion.se/lifescience.

Contacts/For additional information:
Ingvar Carlsson can be reached through Bo Norrman, phone +46703-71 09 49
Bertil Törsäter, Director General of Regional Development, phone +46708-63 07 32
Karin Markides, President, Chalmers University of Technology can be reached through Ewa Wäingelin, phone +4631-772 25 51
Pam Fredman, Vice-Chancellor, University of Gothenburg can be reached through Ann-Charlotte Schützer, phone +46766-18 63 90
Patrik Andersson, Managing Director, Business Region Västra Götaland, phone +46705-85 48 81
Karin Wingstrand, Vice President and Head of Clinical Development, Astra Zeneca
can be reached through Ann-Leena Mikiver, phone +46707-42 88 36