June 30, 2022, Brussels - EuropaBio, Europe’s leading life sciences industry association, presents its vision for European biotechnology and kicks off a campaign Vision for Europe: Innovation, Investment, Excellence. The campaign demonstrates how European healthcare biotechnology delivers benefits across society, from high-skilled jobs and economic strength to ground-breaking treatments that change and save lives, and the framework needed for success on a global scale.

Europe is entering a period of significant and impactful legislative changes that will shape the future of healthcare in Europe by enabling the digital and sustainable transitions. The revision of pharmaceutical legislation and the Orphan and Paediatric Regulations, the creation of a European Health Data Space and the latest progress on Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) will determine Europe’s innovation landscape. This will define Europe’s capacity to translate science into novel therapies, the ability of small companies to start and grow, and long-term investment decisions that will boost Europe’s competitiveness.

Claire Skentelbery, EuropaBio Director General, commented: “Europe is a leader in Research, Development and Innovation and this has to translate rapidly into innovative and life saving treatments that could be easily accessible to patients. We have a vision for Europe that creates an environment for start-ups, SMEs and large companies that enables their growth and helps to attract, maintain, and grow investments in innovative healthcare biotech discoveries. We are joining forces with innovators, policy-makers and other key actors to make the EU the world’s most advanced region in healthcare biotechnology.’’

Neil Mulcock, Chair of EuropaBio Healthcare Biotechnology council representing Gilead added: ‘The EU has the potential to become the world’s most innovative biotech region. With that in mind EuropaBio welcomes the EC’s intention of supporting “a competitive and innovative European pharmaceutical environment” (as stated in the EC’s 2020 Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe). To realise this goal the EU must address the factors that are causing Europe to fall behind, such as creating a world class regulatory framework and an environment that incentivises and rewards innovation. A successful pharmaceutical sector in the EU not only has the prospect of improving public health and saving lives but can also create jobs and wealth for our economy.’

EuropaBio’s Board representatives shared their own visions on European healthcare biotechnology:

• lead the world in scientific and industrial INNOVATION. “The EU needs to make sure that our single market works for innovation. New medicines do not fall from trees – they require the right eco-system and careful nurturing. Europe is the richest continent in the world with the highest skills level and the best innovators” David Earnshaw, EuropaBio board member, commented.

• boost and attract INVESTMENTS in biotech. “The EU has the potential to become the world’s most innovative biotech region by creating the right environment to attract investments and excellence’’, Luana Banu, EuropaBio board member, said.

• become a global centre of EXCELLENCE for biotech. “Research and development is not an engine you can simply turn off and on. It is an interdependent ecosystem requiring nurture and care in order to create the right environment for innovation to flourish” Andrew Topen, former Chair of EuropaBio Board, stated.

To learn more about EuropaBio vision for Europe, browse the freshly launched knowledge hub – featuring EuropaBio and member reports, white papers, case studies, publications, consultation responses and infographics that provide insight on a range of topics related to healthcare innovation, investment and excellence in Europe: https://www.europabio.org/vision-for-europe/