In our response to the consultation, we stress that Europe must avoid rigid definitions for “startup” or “innovative company,” as these risk excluding early-stage biotech firms from support. We urge the adoption of flexible policy tools—such as innovation stress-tests and regulatory sandboxes—to help bring new technologies to market.

We highlight the need for a harmonised European innovation framework. Fragmented national policies and funding gaps hold back biotech SMEs, so we call for an EU Innovation Forum, more public funding, and a unified stock market for biotech.

We also emphasise the importance of attracting and retaining talent. In our response, we call for harmonised employee stock option standards and fairer taxation, to help European biotech companies compete for skilled workers.

Finally, we urge the EU to use public procurement to scale strategic technologies and support sustainable growth. We recommend more funding for innovation procurement, better support for technology transfer, and stronger IP protection for startups and SMEs.

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