Life Science is identified as one of the largest industries in Stockholm's business community. The region believes that the industry is important for regional and national growth.
"There are incredibly good conditions here in Stockholm. We already have a well-functioning cluster for Life Science and a good reputation throughout the world. Now we want to become one of the five best places in the world when it comes to Life Science", says Martin Tegnér.
He says that the capital already stands out internationally as an interdisciplinary knowledge hub.
"In Stockholm, there are unique conditions with the knowledge hub that is being developed in Hagastaden around Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital"There are already many companies starting up and growing here and many foreign investors are interested in the area. And in southern Stockholm we also have strong research and innovation in, among other places, Flemingsberg and Södertälje."
One of the problems identified is that it is difficult to achieve collaboration and access to healthcare in order to develop new medicines, treatments and medical equipment.
"We will focus on making larger amounts of health data available, in a way that ensures privacy protection for patients and residents. Research on health data contributes to increased knowledge and development of prevention, diagnostics and treatment of our patients. Then it is also about strengthening cooperation with academia. A major focus will also be on making it easier for small and medium-sized companies to gain access to the right infrastructure."
The region's strategy includes five priority focus areas: precision medicine, interdisciplinary collaboration, healthcare that is accessible for research, increased use of health data, and creating an attractive environment for life science companies to operate in.
A physical cluster is crucial
A physical cluster of players in the industry is more important than many people think, says Martin Tegnér.
“Digital platforms are good, but the physical is also very important. Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital are located close to each other, but when they built a bridge between the buildings, collaboration suddenly became much easier. It makes a big difference that you can now walk between them in your work clothes. Accessibility provides the conditions to take collaboration a step further.”
It was recently announced that the International Vaccine Institute, which is part of the WHO, will establish its European office in Stockholm. The office will work on vaccine research and development together with public and private actors in European countries. The establishment is believed to further increase the potential in the area.
"It is positive that more parties are coming together close to each other. Stockholm is quite small in international terms, so the conditions for close cooperation are good. In addition, Karolinska Institutet is located Stockholm University, KTH and School of Business and Economics within a radius of two kilometers.”
Business is important for the region
Martin Tegnér most recently came from the role of responsible for the work on advanced crisis preparedness from the pandemic. There he realized how important the business community is for healthcare, among other things.
"During the pandemic, I worked to obtain protective materials, it became clear to me that we are dependent on each other, if we had not had support from the business community, we would not have been able to obtain the protective materials. I am convinced that we need to cooperate more."
One of the goals for the region is to make it easier for new companies in the industry to establish themselves.
"It should be easier to understand how the industry works and how to get in touch with different parties. Ultimately, it's about saving lives and curing diseases, it's incredibly important that we ensure that there are even better conditions for that."
